Building work has begun at Waterford Regional Hospital to fit a new A&E and regional Special Care Baby Unit

The new facilities will replace the existing services and are expected to be completed over a two year period. They are expected open on a phased basis to allow existing services to continue.

"This is very good news for the more than 61,000 patients who attend the A&E each year," said Dr. Rob Landers, Clinical Director of Waterford Regional Hospital.

"The new Emergency Department will provide a larger, more comfortable environment. Patient care in the ED is supported by a Minor Injuries Unit, a six-bed Medical Assessment Unit and a 29 bed Acute Medical Unit which facilitate fast-tracking of acutely ill patients and access for patients to senior decision-making about their admission or discharge."

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The new development at Waterford Regional Hospital – which will be an overall improvement of existing facilities, according to the HSE – will have three floors and will also accommodate the relocation of the Regional Intensive and Special Care Baby Unit within the hospital.

Having previously received planning permission for a development featuring an expansion to the hospital's Emergency Department, the HSE successfully submitted a revised application in 2009 to Waterford City Council, which contained a second floor to accommodate further medical treatment facilities.

HSE South Regional Director of Operations, Mr. Pat Healy, said: "While Waterford Regional Hospital currently meets the HSE national targets for patients to be seen in the Emergency Department within six hours, the new building will mean a better environment and a better experience for both patients and staff. We look forward to the completion of this very significant development."

The announcement is in stark contrast to the recent removal of surgical facilities from Navan Hospital, which led to the 10,000 people taking part in a protest march against the decision.

(DW/BMcC)