Macroom hospital renovation project to be complete by summer

MACROOM Community Hospital is to be fully operational this summer, a Cork TD has been told.

Aindrias Moynihan, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North-West, was told by the HSE that renovation works at the hospital are to be completed by the end of June.

Mr Moynihan said he had been told that the works are nearing completion and would be operational over the summer.

“I’m delighted to receive confirmation from the HSE that significant extension and refurbishment works at Macroom Community Hospital are almost complete,” Mr Moynihan said.

“The works are being undertaken to facilitate a move away from the open-ward model to more private rooms.”

“These works are hugely important, as it will allow enhanced services at the hospital, which mainly supports older people in the community.”

Extension

In a letter to Mr Moynihan, the HSE noted that an extension had been completed in 2022.

“Refurbishment works are ongoing on the existing hospital, which, when complete, will restore bed capacity, comprised of respite, community support and long-stay beds, to 38.

“Contractors are currently working through the snag list, with works scheduled to conclude later this quarter (Q1), ” the HSE said. “It is anticipated that the hospital will be fully operational during Q2 2024.”

A HSE spokesperson confirmed to The Echo that works on the snag list were almost finished.

“On completion of works, 12 long-stay beds will be restored at the hospital, bringing total long-stay beds to 33.

“Five short-stay beds will continue to be available at Macroom Community Hospital, restoring the hospital’s total capacity to 38 beds when operational,” they said.

Day care centre

Mr Moynihan said the completed job should pave the way for work on a day care centre.

That work would transform the healthcare centre building on the Macroom hospital site into a day care centre for older people.

“The construction work on the planned day care centre needs to be expedited,” Mr Moynihan said.

“I hope the completion of works on the hospital will facilitate the swift development of the day care centre.

“People have been waiting long enough.”