First phase of Dún Laoghaire hospital gets green light

THE Government has sanctioned approval for a new 120-bed facility at the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Dun Laoghaire.

The development, announced by Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore and Health Minister James Reilly, will involve the replacement of the existing facility with a new one to include integrated therapy services.

Planning permission for a new 235-bed facility was granted by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in 2008. The construction that has been given the green light represents the first phase of the redevelopment of the hospital.

The proposed second and third phases of the scheme will be progressed subject to the availability of funding.

Henry Murdoch, chairman of the NRH, said the development would be an improvement for patients at the hospital.

“At last we will have a modern, new facility that will be purpose built and designed to meet the needs of all our patients,

? he said.

“It will be a major enhancement to rehabilitation services in the country and will have a direct and significant impact on patient recovery by providing an optimal ward and therapeutic environment for their treatment in the NRH.

?

The Department of Health said it was not releasing details on the cost of the project because such information was

“commercially sensitive

?.

“As the project is at an early stage of development tenders have not been issue,

? the statement reads.

“More definitive costs will only be known after valid tenders are evaluated.

“Estimated costs are commercially sensitive and it is not proposed to release estimates.

?

The National Rehabilitation Hospital is a voluntary organisation that provides a comprehensive range of both inpatient and outpatient Complex Specialised Rehabilitation Services (CSRS) for adult and paediatric patients.

The NRH serves patients from throughout Ireland, who have acquired a physical or cognitive disability as a result of an accident, illness or injury.

Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor (FG) welcomed the announcement and paid tribute to the Sisters of Mercy who jointly manage the hospital with the HSE.

“I would like to pay tribute to the Sisters of Mercy for the sterling work over the years and for the commitment they have shown to excellence and to first rate care,

? she said.

“It is only fitting that, at long last, the environment in which patients at the hospital are being treated is catching up to the standard of care being given.

?