Bright and airy extension opened at Swinford hospital

Monday, 11 July 2011 13:58

The official opening of extensions to hospitals are rare occasions in these financially straitened times and are likely to remain so into the foreseeable future.
Swinford District Hospital, however, is an exception. An extension costing in the region of €3.4 million was opened on Friday last by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
What is officially described by the HSE as 'a new extensive refurbishment build' provides 40 new replacement bed spaces consisting of six six-bedded wards and four single en-suite rooms for patients.
There is also a significant increase in space available for patients as a result of the refurbishment, offering them more privacy and dignity.
The new accommodation includes ward areas, a day room, clinical facilities, staff facilities, a nurses station, kitchenette, sanitary facilities and storage space.
The work involved the demolition of some of the existing facility and the construction of new accommodation extending to over 1,110 square metres.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony on Friday, Mr. Kenny, speaking on a personal note, recalled how his late father, Henry, had died in the hospital 36 years ago.
The Taoiseach said the extension provided a real opportunity now for people from the local area to have long stay care and respite care. There was also the day centre where up to 40 people per day will come in and enjoy the activities and social interaction.
"It's bright and airy and new and it's a brilliant facility for this small area. So for Swinford it's a day of happiness and enjoyment," Mr. Kenny continued.
Frank Murphy, integrated services manager with HSE Mayo, commented on the increased quality of life now available to patients at the hospital as a result of the extension.
Staff had also benefited, Mr. Murphy went on, as they now have additional space and resources, allowing them more time to focus on the patients.
There are currently 40 beds at the hospital providing respite care to patients discharged from Mayo General Hospital who require a further period of convalescence before being discharged home or being identified as requiring a long stay bed in a community nursing unit.
In-patient and out-patient physiotherapy is also provided at the hospital.
About 20 placard-carrying members of Roscommon Hospital Action Committee, who were protesting at the closure of the hospital's A&E unit, awaited the Taoiseach at the gates of Swinford District Hospital as he arrived for the ceremony.
Mr. Kenny, however, indicated later to reporters that the Government is not going to change its mind on the issue.
"What has been set out here by the Minister for Health in the context of change for Roscommon has now got to be delivered upon and will be delivered upon," the Minister insisted.