Modern high support unit for Tullamore to progress to tender

A 10-bed high support community residence at the HSE campus on Arden Road in Tullamore is expected to progress to tender stage in the third quarter of this year.

Funding for the facility was recently announced in the HSE Capital Plan for 2025.

The single storey development which has received planning approval, will comprise ensuite bedrooms, kitchen, dining room, three living rooms, and associated support accommodation including clinical room, staff office, staff changing, storage and plant rooms. The proposal also includes two one-bedroom apartments.

The facility will replace the current residence in the adjacent building known as Birchwood House.

The proposed works include alterations to the existing car park.New bicycle stands, paving, landscaping and a new pedestrian path to the rear of Birchwood House connecting to the Arden Road will be constructed.

The existing facility was opened in 1991 and at the time of an inspection carried out by the Mental Health Services which was published in 2019 there were 14 beds in the building. The house comprised seven twin bedrooms with separate toilet and bathroom facilities.

A number of recommendations made at that time by the Mental Health Services inspector included the advice that residents should have access to single accommodation. The inspector said that the residence used mobile privacy screens between beds and they could be a trip hazard for those residents with poor vision.

The HSE say pre-tender documents are currently under review for the new modern development.

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Also included in the HSE Capital Plan for 2025 are

A new 20-bedroom palliative care unit at Arden Road, Tullamore,

Refurbishment of Birr CNU to provide 76 single ensuite bedrooms (up from 12),

New ward block including extension to the existing Emergency Department at Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore.

Oncology day ward extension including master planning exercise at Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore.

Pharmacy reconfiguration and extension at Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore.

Reconfiguration of existing space in the existing Renal Department at Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore to provide additional dialysis treatment spaces, storage and 2 additional neutral pressure isolation rooms.

New standalone ambulance base on a greenfield site incorporating Emerging Threat Team (ETT) facility, Ambulance Health Region HQ and training facility.

Completion of fire upgrade works at Riada House CNU,Tullamore and Offaly House CNU, Edenderry.