Movement on proposed completion of Cavan General €5.8m plan
The initial designs are scheduled to be completed by the end of the 3rd quarter of this year. The status of the project was confirmed in a correspondence from the HSE.
A HSE proposal to provide additional facilities and accommodation at Cavan General Hospital is set to advance to the next stage. A design team will be re-engaged to progress the design for the remaining elements of the €5.8m project.
The initial designs are scheduled to be completed by the end of the 3rd quarter of this year. The status of the project was confirmed in a correspondence from the HSE on foot of a Parliamentary Questions by Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith.
Deputy Smith described the need for the project as urgent: “I continuously highlighted the need for additional accommodation at Cavan General Hospital.
This has become even more urgent in view of additional accommodation specifications and requirements that arise from the Covid-19 pandemic.”
In the reply to Deputy Smith's query the HSE wrote: “A project at Cavan General Hospital which included works to the adult cystic fibrosis area, children’s cystic fibrosis area, endoscopy, electrical upgrade and some additional in-patient beds was included in the HSE’s Capital Plan in 2015. The total cumulative cost of this project was €5.8million.
“A design team was appointed in 2015 and a feasibility study was completed on the proposed project. In 2016 a capital grant was approved as part of this phased redevelopment for upgrade works to the adult and children’s cystic fibrosis areas along with an element of the electrical upgrade and these works were completed with an investment of €2.1m.”
The areas to get enhanced accommodation include the Endoscopy Unit, with additional inpatient beds and an electrical upgrade.
Emergency department
“In early June I also received confirmation from the HSE that the Emergency Department would also be upgraded with a second resuscitation room, additional clinical administration area and additional waiting area,” Deputy Smith told the Celt.
The hospital requires enhanced accommodation due to the increasing attendance of patients over the years which creates additional pressures for staff and patients due to inadequate accommodation.
This project will be a major financial investment in the hospital: “I emphasised to the Minister for the Health and to the HSE the need to put in place facilities to meet the demands for scheduled and unscheduled care. There are accommodation pressures in all Departments in the hospital and it is essential that modern and adequate accommodation is provided to meet the health care needs of the hospital’s catchment area. I have asked that this project be progressed as quickly as possible,” Deputy Smith concluded.