Contractor moves onto site of Mayo emergency unit extension

A contractor has moved onto the site of the €25 million emergency department extension at Mayo University Hospital.

The development will result in the provisions of a two-storey block with the emergency unit at ground flood level and a new acute medical assessment unit in the first floor.

The works by Carey Building Contractors are taking place on a site adjacent to the hospital's existing emergency unit.

Planning permission for the project was granted by Mayo County Council some time ago.

The new facility will provide 45 treatment and examination spaces, including triage rooms and four fully compliant resuscitation rooms, one of which will be dedicated to paediatric emergencies.

It will also include dedicated paediatric area, a gynaecology treatment suite, improved resuscitation facilities, a new ambulance entrance and an expanded car park.

The hospital issued an update on the investment following a request from the Irish Independent.

Serious overcrowding issues have been experienced at the hospital at regular intervals over the past number of years.