Progress on plans for expanded ED at Portiuncula

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is to appoint contractors to carry out enabling works at Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe to facilitate the future construction of an expanded emergency department.

The HSE has said the enabling works will include “relocation, diversion and removal” of existing drainage and services which will clear the way for the proposed new construction and upgrade works, along with other works which are required to support the expansion of the existing emergency department facilities.

Nine additional treatment bays for the emergency department have been included in the HSE Capital Plan and funds of over €6.9 million have been allocated. However, the bays are not due to open until at least 2027.

The first phase of the enabling works will see 40% of the existing entrance canopy in the emergency department being demolished to facilitate Phase 2 construction while maintaining access to the main Emergency Department.

Road realignment works which form part of the contract will establish a one-way system with barrier systems to accommodate temporary ambulance bays.

The proposed works will include a new public set down area, including disabled parking additions; new ambulance parking; ramp reconfiguration works; works within the courtyard; an emergency department plant room; main block switchboard and a kitchen switchboard.

The enabling works are planned over the Spring/Summer months to allow for switchovers to take place when weather conditions are “more favourable and forgiving”. The contract period for the enabling works is 20 weeks.