By Róisín Kilroy
Estimated to cost approximately €12 million, plans for the new 310m² single-storey extension to the existing emergency department at Portiuncula Hospital were lodged to "create a more comfortable environment for patients and staff".
If approved, the 310m² single-storey extension will provide nine new patient cubicles, including a gynaecology treatment room and associated staff and clinical support facilities. Estimated to be in the region of €12 million, the project is part of an overall programme for the development of health infrastructure in Galway.
The proposed extension will link into the existing building via a new accessible reception, which will lead to a newly formed paediatric waiting area and toilet facilities, the addition of which is expected to improve the segregation of paediatrics in the emergency department.
At the existing lower ground floor level, a new public entrance lobby with a security room will be formed adjacent to a reconfigured ambulance drop-off and set-down area.
Reconfiguration of existing space
In addition to the proposed extension, the hospital's existing emergency department will undergo a series of phased internal refurbishment works. As a result, the existing ED will be reformatted to provide "additional patient treatment cubicles, a reconfigured storage and staff support facilities and modernised staff changing facilities".
As part of the plans submitted, if approved, the existing internal campus two-way traffic system in the vicinity of the ED will be adapted to become a one-way traffic flow system. In addition to changes to road access, a new accessible set-down area will be formed alongside a reconfigured ambulance drop-off area and works to form a new pedestrian crossing designed to improve accessibility and safety around the immediate site.
Plans for the extension were submitted to Galway County Council by HSE West and North West.
Better access
James Keane, General Manager of Portiuncula University Hospital, welcomed this next phase in the development, saying, “This is a major development for the provision of healthcare for the people of East Galway, Westmeath, North Tipperary, Roscommon and Offaly. The extension to the emergency department will help to ensure the continued improvement in the delivery of this vital service.
"It is projected that it will accommodate nine additional treatment bays for patients, will improve the overall layout of the department and provide better access for all age groups using the service at the Emergency Department.”
If successful, the planning application will proceed to tender and the appointment of a contractor.
