Tipperary University Hospital to get €75m paediatric unit in new 68-bed ward block

Hospital management at Tipperary University Hospital in Clonmel has been informed by HSE Capital and Estates that a new 68-bed ward block has been approved Tipperary University Hospital, according to a statement issued by Independent Tipperary TD Michael Lowry.

This unit will be home to an ultra-modern Paediatric Unit, to replace the existing outdated unit at the hospital.

It has confirmed to Deputy Lowry that the project has been included in the Health Services Executive Capital Programme and has been granted a Capital Allocation in 2023.

The new Paediatric Unit will be located to the rear of the 40-bed unit secured for the hospital by Deputy Lowry some years ago.

This unit was officially opened in October 2021 by the then Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, and Deputy Lowry highlighted the need to replace the paediatric facilities at the hospital on that occasion.

At that time, a commitment was given to continue the phased development of the hospital, with the existing Paediatric Unit identified as being in extremely poor condition and in need of replacement.

Deputy Lowry continued to pursue this matter with the support of both the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the Tanaiste Michéal Martin.

As recently as two weeks ago he highlighted the need for the new Paediatric Unit at a meeting for Tipperary Oireachtas members with the Health Service Executive.

He has now received confirmation that the project will proceed. The total budget for this project at this time is €75m.

This budget is to fund all the capital costs associated with the project including construction costs, design fees, equipment costs and other costs associated with the project.

It is estimated that the design, tendering, groundworks, construction and fit-out of the new Unit will take approximately 4-5 years to complete.

"I wish to thank the management and staff at the hospital for their patience with this matter. This news will be a timely boost for their morale. I have no doubt that they will continue to maximise the use of the existing unit until the new Paediatric Unit is available," said Deputy Lowry.