Work on new ward block at hospital underway

Construction of the new 50-bed ward block at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, will commence this week, local TD Denis Naughten has confirmed.

“It has taken four and a half years since I secured a commitment in Government through Project Ireland 2040 for this project, which was delivered upon by then Minister for Health Simon Harris in October 2019,” said Deputy 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 Minister Simon Harris.

“The reality of Covid-19 is that 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, easing pressure in local hospital, he said.

The HSE has confirmed that there will be no net increase in beds as this is replacement project.

“I have already received confirmation from the HSE that this new building is designed in such a way as to provide for a further 50 bed extension at the hospital and I will now be pressing the current Government to move on this additional bed extension as soon as possible,” concluded Denis Naughten.