'Much more than a building': Minister for Health officially opens new 96-bed block at UHL

THE MINISTER for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, has today officially opened 96 new inpatient beds at University Hospital Limerick.

In what is the biggest capital project delivered by the HSE this year, this landmark 6,700 square-metre development, delivered at a cost of €105m, is a significant step towards addressing the bed capacity deficits in the Mid-West highlighted in HIQA’s recently published review of urgent and emergency care in the region.

Developed in a new block linked to UHL’s critical care facilities, the beds are configured in four storeys of 24 en-suite single rooms and bring the hospital’s inpatient bed capacity to 650.

Providing two new wards for older persons, one renal ward and one trauma ward, the single rooms maximise protection for patients with infection prevention and control requirements. Each of the four wards has purpose-designed specialist rooms; including a bariatric room, two isolation rooms and one disabled-access room.

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Rooms on each ward are arranged in three groups of eight, with one nursing and support station for each group. All rooms have views either across Limerick city or over landscaped courtyards, benefiting from natural light and ventilation for patient wellbeing. The spacious rooms are designed to better facilitate family contact and each ward has its own waiting area and family meeting room.

Meanwhile, the new bed capacity has also facilitated redesignation of two new medical wards within the wider hospital, and will allow for improved patient flow across the hospital.

Just under 400 additional staff (whole-time equivalents) are being recruited for the new bed block with the majority already in post.

Arriving at UHL today to officially open the new block, the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said:

“I am delighted to be here to officially open Block A, the first of two new 96-bed blocks at the hospital. I know that these beds are very much needed, and that this opening is important not just for Limerick, but for the entire Mid-West region. By 2031, an additional 572 inpatient beds will be delivered, an 82% increase improve access and outcomes for patients."

The Minister continued: "Since 2019, UHL’s budget has increased by 91% and by 2028, the numbers of beds at UHL will be over double the number in 2020. This Government is behind you, and we will continue to invest in this hospital to ensure patients receive safe, high-quality care. This new facility is a testament to our shared commitment to delivering better healthcare for all.”

Development of the 96-bed block project was led by HSE Capital & Estates at a cost of €105m and delivered by main contractors John Sisk & Sons, whose teams have put 950,000 man hours into the project since late 2022.

The design team consisted of O’Connell Mahon Architects / Kevin Jackson Architects (joint venture); Varming Consulting Engineers; Arup Consulting Engineers; Lawlor Burns Quantity Surveyors; Aegis Safety Management; Maurice Johnston & Partners Fire Safety Engineering; and Tom Phillips + Associates Town Planning Consultants.

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An extensive equipping programme worth in excess of €3 million has been delivered in recent weeks to ensure the new wards are served by the most up-to-date equipment and technology. Each room is fully mechanically ventilated, has in-built hoists and has enhanced integration of digital systems for patient management and patient safety.

Sandra Broderick, Regional Executive Officer, HSE Mid-West, added:

“This is a proud day for the HSE Mid-West. Our workforce has shown extraordinary dedication, compassion and resilience, often under intense pressure and scrutiny. They come to work every day to care for people in their community — quietly, professionally, and without expectation of praise. They are a true credit to this health service."

“This new 96-bed block is much more than a building. It represents hope — for our patients who deserve timely access to care, and for our staff who have worked so hard for so long to make this possible. Delivering 96 new beds — almost half the size of an entire Model 3 hospital — is no small achievement. It took almost one million hours of work, delivered through a pandemic, supply challenges, and while operating over the busiest Emergency Department in the country. That deserves real recognition.” Ms Broderick said.

Ian Carter, CEO, Acute & Older People Services, HSE Mid-West, commented:

“UHL has for many years been operating in excess of optimal capacity and this has adversely impacted both patient flow and patient experience. There are two chief means of reducing congestion in our hospitals – by adding capacity and through process improvement. The opening of this bed block can signify progress on both fronts. It affords us the opportunity to introduce specialty cohorting on medical wards across the wider hospital, allowing for more effective allocation of specialty staff and improved discharge planning."

"The improved care environment will assist all patients in their recovery and in particular our older patients who are most at risk from prolonged waiting times for admission. Half of the additional beds we have opened are designated for the care of older persons."