Gorey Hospital development plan imminent

A formal submission on the refurbishment of Gorey District Hospital is imminent.

The €3.5 million refurbishment scheme is currently on the HSE Capital Plan and a development control plan for the site has been completed.

This identified the requirements to the hospital in the upgrade and if approved, will lead to a suite of new and refurbished rooms at the hospital.

The preferred upgrade scheme shows an extension to both sides of the existing building complete with refurbishment and reorganisation of the existing spaces.

The HSE is currently finalising the acquisition and transfer of some lands to the front of the hospital to ensure adequate development space.

Once this is complete a formal submission will be made to the Capital Steering Committee and this is expected to take place in the first quarter of this year.

If approved the HSE will then progress to a detailed design and apply for planning permission bringing the project to tender stage. It is expected that this will take place before the end of the year which could lead to works starting in the first half of 2018.

When contacted Cllr Joe Sullivan, chair of the South/South East Regional Health Forum said it was a very positive development.

‘ This is great news especially when you consider that a few years ago there had been serious concerns raised about the viability of the hospital.

‘Gorey Hospital has played an integral part of life in Gorey and is a credit to the HSE, the nurses, staff and friends of Gorey District Hospital who have worked so hard down the years to ensure the hospital is in a position to give outstanding care to the community.’