Construction of new Portiuncula ward block due to start mid-2021

Local TD Denis Naughten has been informed by the Minister for Health that the ground works at Portiuncula Hospital, in advance of construction of the new 50 bed ward block, will take nine months to complete with an expected finish date of 25th May 2021.

“The enabling works are required in advance of construction of the new 50 bed ward block, a commitment which I secured from Government in Project Ireland 2040 and which was delivered upon by Minister Harris in October,” stated Denis Naughten.

“While there is no doubt that Covid-19 has been a factor with this delay, so too has the failure of officials to follow through in a timely manner on the commitments I secured for the delivery of this project by 2021 from Minister Simon Harris.

“It is now expected that construction of the new 50 bed ward block will be delayed until the middle of 2021, which is disappointing. However, I’m determined to ensure this Government follows through on the commitments I secured during the term of the last Government.

“The reality of Covid-19 is that s a new ward block is now more urgently required than ever to address the chaotic situation that many patients, and staff, have faced in the past in our local A&E Department. This new 50 bed ward block at Portiuncula will increase bed usage and can also provide additional beds in the hospital system, I believe that this project should be prioritised.

“The intention is to now seek contractors for the construction of the 50-bed ward block by the end of this year and it is imperative that the timeline does not slip any further.

“On a positive note the Radiology Flouroscopy room refurbishment and equipment replacement is expected to be completed in February next which will significantly improve the quality of diagnosis in the hospital and assist the medical teams in treating patients,” concluded Denis Naughten.