This article is from page 4 of the 2006-03-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
THE Health Service Executive has said that it expects to open its temporary replacement prefabricated physiotherapy unit in Ennis by the end of the month.
But there have been claims this week that there is not sufficient electricity being generated from the hospital to power it.
The HSE would not comment on claims that a generator would have to be brought in to power the unit on the grounds of the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Ennis, or give a timeframe for when it might be installed.
On Tuesday evening last, the physiotherapy unit in the hospital building had to be cleared to accommodate the overflow of patients from other units.
The portacabin at the front of the hospital was first muted as a temporary solution to overcrowding at the hospital.
It was expected to be open in December last year to house the patients of the physiotherapists. But the HSE say it will now be March. It will be used as an overflow ward for up to nine patients.
The emergency move was originally expected to cost the HSE over €150,000.
Trolleys will be put into the physiotherapy room in an attempt to cope with the ongoing overcrowding at the county’s hospital, once the portacabin is up and running.
Ennis General Hospital is currently working to a capacity of 115 per cent, 30 per cent higher than is recommended.
Meanwhile, the HSE hopes to submit the planning application for the €20.8 million development at the hospital by June, with a view to putting the works to tender before the end of the current year.
According to the HSE Network Manager of the Mid West Area, John O’Brien, this will enable the construction work to commence in early 2007.
He confirmed that the design team were currently preparing detailed drawing submission to the planning office.
Welcoming the development, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said he was confident that Clare would have a top-class hospital within the next two years.
The €20.8 million development will see a new radiology department and Accident and Emergency Unit constructed at ground level.
Two new medical wards and a surgical ward will be constructed on the second floor, and ICU developed.
There will be a 20 per cent increase in beds, from 88 to 106.