Taoiseach opens €35 million 50-bed block at Portiuncula Hospital
Taoiseach Simon Harris today (Wednesday) officially opened a new 50-bed ward block at Portiuncula University Hospital.
The project is a €35 million capital investment for the hospital site in Ballinasloe
In a statement, the HSE said the new facilities deliver "in-patient single room accommodation in line with all current modern-day standards," explaining that the project consisted of a two-storey building and was linked to the existing hospital by a corridor.
The new Orchard and Garbally wards each comprise of 25 single rooms with ensuite facilities and include two dedicated negative pressure isolation rooms on each floor.
The HSE said the development will facilitate the relocation of two existing "outdated" wards from the main hospital building.
"The design and layout of the new wards will deliver a patient centred approach, improve our patient experience and comfort while ensuring privacy and dignity for all patients and particularly for those requiring end of life care," stated the HSE.
"Single room accommodation will also reduce patient exposure to possible infections while in hospital. These new wards will improve the patient’s journey, reduce length of stay and reduce the number of in-house patient transfers between wards."
The two new wards are due to treat medical and respiratory patients, and will started to be used by patients on a phased basis from mid-October.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said: "This is a special project for me. As Minister for Health, I met with local representatives and staff at the hospital and heard directly about the need for this project. I am absolutely delighted to be here as Taoiseach to officially open it.
"I know how much this project means to the people of Galway and Roscommon and the impact it will have on this region.
"This €35 million investment will deliver modern facilities designed to improve the patient experience."
Welcoming the new development, James Keane, General Manager of Portiuncula University Hospital, said: "These new wards will improve our patient’s hospital experience and will provide an improved working environment for our staff.
"I would like to acknowledge and thank everyone involved in this development from the beginning to the delivery of the new facility today."
Ann Cosgrove, Interim CEO of the Saolta Group added: "This new development will greatly enhance the care experience for our patients and is a welcome addition for our hospital and local community."
Mary Mahon, Director of Nursing at PUH said: "The new build continues the vision and legacy of the founders of the hospital, the Franciscan Missionaries of The Divine Motherhood (FMDM), future proofing hospital services for the people of the region."