Temporary unit will increase hospital emergency department capacity

A FEASIBILITY study is being finalised on a proposed rapid build permanent extension to the emergency department at Mayo University Hospital.

A temporary modular build is to be put in place to increase capacity in the interim. It is hoped to have this completed by December.

The progress on both was revealed at a west health forum meeting in response to questions tabled by Councillor Michael Kilcoyne.

In a written response he was told a proposal is being progressed to provide a temporary modular unit at Mayo University Hospital. This unit would provide additional treatment cubicles and increase capacity as an interim measure.

The project is being progressed as Covid emergency works for winter 2020 and as such is exempt for the requirement to obtain planning permission.

Separately, a feasibility study is currently being finalised to scope a proposed project for a rapid build permanent extension to the current emergency department along with the relocation of the medical assessment unit to the first floor of the proposed extension.

This feasibility study will establish the overall project cost estimate and approval will then be sought to progress the project in 2021.