WARM WELCOME AS MUCH NEEDED REVAMP OF MACROOM HOSPITAL GETS GREEN LIGHT FROM PLANNERS
PLANS to redevelop Macroom Community Hospital have finally got approval from Cork County Council, paving the way for a long-sought refurbishment of the health facility, The Corkman can confirm.
Planning permission for the development, which was applied for in September and had to be resubmitted since then, was granted for the development at the beginning of this week.
The plans include a substantial new extension and the merging of the Dental Building with the hospital.
The redeveloped hospital will see the replacement of wards with three bed rooms, with 24 additional single rooms and one double room.
While the development, described as the ‘first meaningful step forward’ since the hospital was built in the 1930s, envisages the arrangement of the new bedrooms around three courtyards, there are no plans for additional beds at the hospital.
No estimate as to costs was available as this newspaper went to print on Wednesday evening, but conservative estimates would put it in the ‘millions’
The under-fire health facility had been sharply criticised in a recent HIQA report, wherein serious concerns had been raised about conditions there, with findings of non compliance with strict operating regulations across a number of key areas.
One resident likened wardrobes at the hospital to those on a “dolls house”, with other issues raised including the lack of shower facilities; cramped conditions in the dining and sitting-room; and patients being placed in multi-occupant rooms with others that had diverse needs.
“The findings of this inspection were that the registered provider, the Health Services Executive (HSE) had failed to ensure that an effective and safe service was provided for residents living in the Macroom Community Hospital,” read the report. “The registered provider had not ensured that the service met the needs of residents, particularly in terms of the arrangements for privacy and dignity, residents rights, fire-safety, personal accommodation and storage provision,” it added.
The announcement was welcomed by local councillor Ted Lucey, who described the news as a great boost to the town, coming hot on the heels of the recent announcements regarding the N22 bypass and the Briery Gap Theatre redevelopment.
“The proposed development was much needed and the refurbished facility when it’s ready will be a great addition to the town,” said Cllr Lucey.
While the planning permission has been granted for the refurbishment of the hospital, the initial application submitted on September 13 was sent back and a new application had to be submitted.
The revelation that planning permission had been secured for Macroom Community Hospital’s redevelopment comes in the wake of a similar indication about Kanturk Hospital.
Both Fermoy and Millstreet Hospitals are also awaiting announcements.