HSE says no additional costs accrued due to delays in east Mayo primary care centre
Ballyhuanis councillor Alma Gallagher informed that construction of the Ballyhaunis Primary Care Centre is almost complete
A MAYO councillor has been informed that there will be no additional cost to the HSE due to the delay in completing the Ballyhaunis Primary Care Centre.
The construction of the Ballyhaunis Primary Care Centre is due to be completed by the end of the month after a number of years of delays.
The long awaited primary care centre in the east Mayo town was vacant for a number of years after construction stalled in mid-2021 after the project was no longer economically viable for the developer, Sharpdale Ltd. The HSE entered negotiations with the developer in 2024 and the project subsequently resumed.
However, local councillor Alma Gallagher was informed that is currently approaching practical completion with minor works such as painting remaining outstanding.
In a question to the HSE ahead of tomorrow's Regional Health Forum West meeting, Cllr Gallagher asked for an update on the completion and commissioning of the new Ballyhaunis Primary Care Centre.
She was informed that once the completion is agreed, the building will be handed over to the HSE for equipment fit out and this is currently being coordinated.
The HSE reply to Cllr Gallagher stated: “ICT has been installed by the developer and HSE will completely fit out once the building is handed over. Lead times from equipment suppliers vary but may be up to twelve weeks. Service commencement will be dependent on equipment delivery; it will be possible to commence services on a phased basis as specific areas are fitted out.”
The Fine Gael councillor also asked the HSE to provide the original estimated cost and the current/final projected cost associated with the Ballyhaunis Primary Care Centre, together with details of any additional costs or cost overruns arising during the extended delivery period.
In response, the HSE stated that there is 'no additional cost to the HSE due to the overrun on delivery of this facility'.
“HSE is leasing the centre from the developer; rental rates and service charges have not changed in this time. Equipping costs are not fully known at this stage as this is currently being coordinated,” the reply read.
Cllr Gallagher was informed that services that will be delivered include: GP services; Public Health Nursing; Occupational Therapy; Physiotherapy; Speech and Language Therapy; Dental services; Community Medicine; Social Work; Immunisation services; Child and Family Psychology; Dietetics; Podiatry and Integrated Care Services. Immunisation, Child and Family Psychology, Dietetics, Podiatry and Integrated Care Services will operate on a visiting basis and social work services will be provided from the centre two days per week through a county-wide post.
“At present, no additional services are future planned for the centre, however this will be frequently reviewed, and additional services may be provided as required and depending on available resources,” the HSE stated.
Cllr Gallagher was also informed that approximately 12 to 14 staff are expected to be based in the centre including four nursing staff but no additional staff will be recruited and existing staff will transfer to the new primary care centre.