Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has received confirmation from the HSE that a proposal to provide additional facilities and accommodation at Cavan General Hospital will now be advanced to the next stage. He has been informed that the Design Team have now been re-engaged to progress the design for the remaining elements of this project with initial designs to be completed by the end of the 3rd quarter of this year.
“Through Parliamentary Questions and in other Dáil Debates I continuously highlighted the need for additional accommodation at Cavan General Hospital. This has become even more urgent in view of additional accommodation specifications and requirements that arise from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Among the areas that will have enhanced accommodation will be the Endoscopy Unit, some additional inpatient beds and an electrical upgrade. In early June I also received confirmation from the HSE that the Emergency Department would also be upgraded with a second resuscitation room, additional clinical administration area and additional waiting area.
The Hospital requires enhanced accommodation due to the increasing attendance of patients over the years which creates additional pressures for staff and patients due to inadequate accommodation.
This project will be a major financial investment in the Hospital and I had emphasised to the Minister for the Health and to the HSE the need to put in place facilities to meet the demands for scheduled and unscheduled care. There are accommodation pressures in all Departments in the Hospital and it is essential that modern and adequate accommodation is provided to meet the health care needs of the Hospital’s catchment area.
I have emphasised to the new Health Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly and to the HSE the Hospital’s urgent accommodation requirements and I have asked that this much needed project be progressed as quickly as possible”, concluded Deputy Brendan Smith.
ENDS
13/07/2020
Copy of Minister for Health and Parliamentary Question along with extract from Dáil Debate attached
PQ 13523-20 14495-20 Brendan Smith Cavan General
Health statement – June 24 2020