As path lab construction commences we profile Waterford's hospital projects and where they currently stand
A state-of-the-art surgical hub, increased cardiac care, new pathology lab and further extensions to hospital services have all been earmarked for Waterford in recent years.
Three Waterford TDs have been approached by the Waterford News & Star for updates regarding outlined developments and future plans for University Hospital Waterford and St. Otteran’s Hospital.
A state-of-the-art surgical hub, increased cardiac care, new pathology lab and further extensions to hospital services have all been earmarked for Waterford in recent years and are currently at various stages of construction, planning and/or approval.
Deputy Matt Shanahan (Ind) has commented on a number of these developments this week, with further comments and updates expected from Minister Mary Butler TD (FF), Marc Ó Cathasaigh TD (GP) and HSE representatives in the coming weeks.
Last week, there was major progress made as construction commenced on the pathology lab at UHW.
Minister of State at the Dept. of Health, Mary Butler, TD, confirmed to the Waterford News & Star that construction began last week on the pathology lab at UHW. Deputy Shanahan says the development is “one of the long-standing promises to UHW”.
The large-scale surgical hub development at Maypark Lane is currently at tender. Deputy Shanahan says construction may be agreed within the next three to five months, with construction to begin soon after.
“This project looks possible as funding is ring-fenced across a national fund for hubs. The kicker is that commissioning would only provide two surgical theatres, the other two would have to be paid for by the hospital at approximately €2 to €3 million.
Minister Butler confirmed last week that recruitment is now underway for additional staff to facilitate an expansion of cardiac services at UHW to cover weekends. Weekend cover is expected to commence in October.
Deputy Shanahan has said that 14 personnel are being recruited: “The weekend rota will require an additional interventional cardiologist and cardiac physiologists, which are not presently in place and are not easily available to recruit." The staffing would bring the service up to 8am to 8pm seven days a week. 24/7 cardiac care is still awaited.
98 new acute beds were announced in May 2024 and are planned to be put in place at UHW across three years.
Deputy Shanahan commented, “I don't expect to see anything other than possible planning approval by year end."
In June 2024, it was announced that funding would be provided for the “appraisal” of a proposed two-floor vertical extension over the existing Outpatient Department at UHW. This extension is planned to include 36 consulting rooms, four treatment rooms, four measurement rooms and two virtual consulting rooms.
Shanahan was asked to clarify what the "appraisal" process entails and when this project will progress. He said, “Appraisal here means the project is ready for development but needs sign-off from the new capital plan budget and issuing of build tender award.
“Potentially this project could be awarded construction tender within the next three months or less. The likeliest earliest possible construction commencement is October onwards. Bear in mind no decision to fund this project has been made yet.”
It's understood that the replacement of the existing Adult Acute Mental Health 44-bed unit at UHW is now also at appraisal stage.
Deputy Shanahan says he expects to see nothing beyond a planning application before the end of the year on this development. At present there is no agreed location.
A greenfield ambulance base with a gross internal floor area of approximately 1,550 square metres is due in Waterford.
Deputy Shanahan said, “We need a new ambulance base in Waterford. I don't think there will be any great rush by Government to promote this base above others.
A hub for children at St. Otteran’s has been listed on HSE capital plans since 2014 and is yet to go to planning. Shanahan believes the project's future is uncertain.
“To my knowledge I haven't seen much in way of progress. I am aware HSE say this is a project they wish to advance. I can see nothing more than a possible planning application at year end. That might never progress beyond that, as the disability sector has major staff and pay challenges. The HSE is engaged in a significant review of the sector.”
It is understood that the planned Hub for Older People at St. Otteran’s is still at appraisal stages. According to Mr Shanahan, this is a long-term project.
“The project is at early doors but some pilots around the country have shown success. I don't expect anything groundbreaking soon."
In the 2023 HSE Capital Plans, there was no acute project outlined for UHW.
Deputy Shanahan was asked what impact this may have on Waterford going forward. He said, “UHW will not catch up with other Model 4's until like-for-like funding is delivered. It is clear the HSE and Department of Health do not intend to fundamentally change the direction of travel."
