Tyrone-based specialist building contractor, Western Building Systems, has handed over a new 60-bed medical block at University Hospital Limerick.

The new block comprises four storeys, with three inpatient wards of 20 ensuite rooms over a basement level. The first of the wards opened this week with the other two wards being opened by 04 January 2021.

The new ward block will provide modern, single-room inpatient accommodation. As well as an improved experience for patients in terms of comfort, privacy and dignity; it will better allow staff to isolate patients and improve infection prevention and control capabilities.

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Enabling works on this project commenced in April 2019, with Western's team starting on site in September 2019.

Colette Cowan, CEO, UL Hospitals Group, said: "This bright modern accommodation is no less than what our patients and our staff deserve after many years where systemwide pressures have left too many of our patients facing long waits for a bed.

"Delivery of this project in such a short timeframe is a great achievement by all concerned. We acknowledge the support of government and the HSE. We also acknowledge the work of HSE Estates in delivering this significant capital project so quickly and Western Building Systems who have delivered to such a high standard and in spite of the enormous challenges this pandemic has presented around the supply chain, logistics, workplace safety and so much more. I also wish to acknowledge the assistance of the Defence Forces from Sarsfield Barracks and Collins Barracks (Cork) with the transfer of equipment into the new. The expansion of the UHL site and the considerable growth of our workforce is also an economic boost for our region during this difficult time and into what will be a brighter future with the transfer of the equipment into the new building."