New 33-bed unit officially opened at Tipperary University Hospital
Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill officially opened the unit in the former St Michael's Unit
The Minister for Health has officially opened the Slievenamon Unit at Tipperary University Hospital.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill was in Clonmel this week to officially open the new 33-bed unit at TUH in the former St Michael's Unit.
The former St Michael’s Unit has been extensively refurbished and meets modern healthcare standards and provides a comfortable environment for patients with a dedicated and professional team of staff delivering high quality care.
The capital investment saw the upgrade of the inpatient accommodation and link corridor to the main hospital building to provide access to all other hospital services. It now consists of 33 inpatient beds, 6 single ensuite rooms and 9 three-bedded rooms with ensuites.
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health, said: “The Slievenamon Unit (SMU) at Tipperary University Hospital is enabling a greater number of people to access the care they need in their own community. During the opening of this remarkable new facility, I personally observed the strong energy and dedication of both patients and staff.
“This excellent example of care at Tipperary University Hospital gives me confidence that the health and well-being of our patients in the South East will be significantly improved in the coming months and years.“
Martina Queally, REO, HSE Dublin and South East explained: “The former St Michael’s Psychiatric unit, which closed in 2012, was renovated during the initial phase of the pandemic to address the expected surge in COVID-19 patients requiring hospital care. This newly renamed Slievenamon Unit now provides an additional 33 beds and can be accessed via the new link corridor from the main hospital, following significant investment.
“Regionally, Tipperary University Hospital covers a wide catchment area of Tipperary, west Waterford, counties Kilkenny, Cork and Limerick and the unit’s opening reflects the commitment to delivering high-quality patient care in the South East, allowing more patients to receive their care closer to home for people living in these counties.”
Dr Aamir Majeed, Clinical Director, Tipperary University Hospital, added: “The unit’s opening has had a significant impact on reducing the number of patients needing admission having to wait on trolleys in our Emergency Department.
“We have over 100 nursing and support staff employed providing hospital diagnostic, therapy and support services to SMU.
“We are delighted to welcome its opening s it provides a physical environment that allows our staff to care for patients with dignity, privacy and comfort,” Dr Majeed added.