Mater development to boost local economy

THE north inner city is expected to reap major economic benefits from the new Mater Adult Hospital development, the first phase of which opens this summer.

Local representatives have welcomed the

?¬284 million project, describing it as a huge contribution to urban renewal and employment opportunities.

The first phase of the landmark new facility announced by Minister for Health James Reilly on April 27, will be fully functional by June of this year. Phase one includes a new outpatients’ department and catering and technical services.

Phase two of the project will see the construction of a new emergency department, an underground car park, 12 operating theatres, ICU and radiology units and 120 one-bed en suite rooms.

This will be rolled out between July and December of this year, while final works will be completed in May 2013.

Speaking to Northside People following the announcement, Dublin City Councillor Niall Ring (Ind) welcomed this major infrastructural project in his constituency.

“The new Mater Campus Hospital Development will not only radically improve the quality and service and care for patients, but will also be of major economic benefit to the North inner city,

? said Cllr Ring.

“I would hope that along with the improved health facilities there would also be job opportunities within the new campus for locals, in recognition of their continued commitment, support and backing for the hospital over a long number of years.

?

Cllr Ring added that he will be seeking a meeting with the Chief Executive of the new Mater Hospital, Brian Conlon, to discuss how the facility will promote urban renewal and impact positively on the local economy.

Mr Conlon has hailed the development as the

“greenest and most technologically-driven

? hospital in Ireland.

“It’s a great day for patients and staff that we now have state-of-the-art, eco-friendly accommodation and facilities, creating a perfect environment for delivery of top class care. We’ll even have a new, decked roof garden,

? he said.

For patients, the new facility should result in reduced waiting times for theatre, outpatient and accident and emergency services. The addition of single rooms will be of particular benefit to cardiothoracic, orthopaedic-spinal and oncology patients and will play a significant role in fighting the spread of infection.

Currently the Mater hospital admits approximately 16,500 patients each year. In addition it treats in the region of 40,000 day patients, 47,500 emergency department cases and more than 220,000 outpatients each year.

Clinical Director, Professor Conor O’Keane, said that the hospital has

“a tradition of excellence in patient care for over 150 years

?.

“This new facility will also allow us to break free of the shackles of limited space, as we will now have appropriately sized departments and waiting areas,

? he added.

“This landmark building provides patients and staff with an environment reflective of the quality of care patients get at the Mater into the 21st century and beyond.

?

The hospital will benefit from the State’s Percent for Art Scheme whereby 1 per cent of the cost of any publicly-funded capital, infrastructural and building development is ring-fenced for the commissioning of works of art.

Under the scheme two tapestries by internationally renowned Irish artist, Patrick Scott, will be in the new outpatients department. Further artworks are being commissioned throughout the building.