THE National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Dun Laoghaire has been granted planning permission for a major redevelopment that will see the construction of a new 120-bed facility on the campus.
The first major healthcare project to be granted approval by An Bord Pleanala through the Strategic Infrastructural Development Process will see a significant capital development on the campus of the existing hospital at Rochestown Avenue.
The development, which is a partnership between the HSE and the NRH Foundation, will see the existing ward accommodation at the NRH replaced by the new facility that will include integrated therapy services.
The National Rehabilitation Hospital is the only hospital in the country providing complex specialist rehabilitation services for people who have acquired disabilities through accident, injury or illness.
In recent years referrals to the hospital have increased as a result of general population increases and survival rates for patients treated in acute hospitals due to advances in medical technology.
The facility will be purpose built to specifically accommodate the needs of patients requiring complex specialist rehabilitation services and will comply with best international practice and guidelines.
Dr Jacinta McElligott, the chairperson of the NRH Medical Board, said the new building will enable them to achieve their goals of helping patients return to the highest level of function and independence possible, while improving the overall quality of life,
“physically, emotionally, and socially
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NRH Chairman, Kieran Fleck welcomed the development by stating:
“We look forward to having a world class building designed to meet the needs of all our patients in terms of receiving the best quality care and treatment in a facility which affords dignity, respect and privacy to all.
“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.
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He added:
“This major milestone could not have been achieved without the support, dedication and commitment of the staff at NRH who have played an integral part in the new hospital project.
“Staff of all grades from across the hospital have worked tirelessly with the NRH Health Planning Team and the appointed Design Team, in partnership with the HSE, to ensure the building is purpose designed to enable staff to meet the individual needs of our patients
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Deputy Eamon Gilmore (Lab) welcomed the news.
“The National Rehabilitation Hospital is a landmark institution,
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“It is part of our history and the development of this 120-bed facility marks a new phase in the future of our health services were services are built around the needs of patients, at every stage of their rehabilitation and recovery.
“The development of a world class rehabilitation hospital for Ireland has a key role in this objective.
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He added:
“The granting of planning approval for this well-known institution on Rochestown Avenue is very welcome.
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