Several Offaly healthcare developments listed in HSE's new Capital Plan
A range of Offaly health infrastructure projects have been included in the HSE's Capital Plan for 2025, which was published this week.
The projects outlined in the plan include the development of a 10-bedroom high support community residence accommodation facility at Birchwood House, Tullamore, which is now at the tendering stage of the process.
Three separate developments at the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore are listed in the plan - however these and some other proposed health infrastructure projects in Offaly are still at the 'appraisal' phase at present, meaning no outright decision has yet been taken as to whether or when they might proceed.
Among the projects being appraised are a proposed extension of the Tullamore hospital's oncology day ward, which is intended to progress to the detailed design stage by the end of this year.
A new ward block, including an extension of the hospital's existing Emergency Department, is also due to progress to a detailed design phase by close of year, while the reconfiguration of space within the renal department of the hospital is due to allow for additional dialysis treatment for impacted patients. This project is now at the detailed design phase.
A fourth project, the reconfiguration and extension of the hospital pharmacy is also proposed, while the report states that it’s hoped plans for the provision of 20 single en-suite bedrooms at the hospice/palliative care unit at Arden Road Tullamore will progress to detailed design status in 2025.
A major refurbishment of Birr Community Nursing Unit is also proposed under the HSE Capital Plan. At present, there are 12 single en-suite bedrooms for residents within the healthcare setting, with the plan being to increase this to 76 units.
Meanwhile, a new standalone ambulance base on a greenfield site incorporating an Emerging Threat Team (ETT) facility, Ambulance Health Region HQ and training facility, has also been mooted for Tullamore.
Welcoming the HSE plan, Fine Gael Deputy John Clendennen said that ongoing investment in the health service was essential.
"This announcement is a strong demonstration of this Government’s commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare in our communities.
"For our area, this means direct investment in our hospital, community nursing units around the county, a new palliative care unit and our ambulance base. This is welcome news that will help bring healthcare services closer to home and better meet the needs of patients and families across Offaly," Deputy Clendennen said.
The HSE said a record €1.33 billion was being allocated nationally for the development of health infrastructure as part of the 2025 Capital Plan.