200 new beds planned as University Hospital Galway prepares to appoint design team
University Hospital Galway is preparing to appoint a design team for two new bed blocks as part of the hospital’s wider redevelopment masterplan.
Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West John Connolly confirmed following a meeting with local health officials that the project will deliver 150 beds, boosting capacity and replacing some existing beds.
When the project is complete it will see the final addition of 200 beds.
“The extra beds will address a number of serious challenges at UHG: lack of beds, the resulting issue of patients spending excessive time in A&E, and the cancellation of procedures,” Deputy Connolly said.
The design team will be appointed by the end of this year to formally begin the process.
The long-term redevelopment of UHG will also see a new accident and emergency department, maternity and paediatric unit, cancer care centre and laboratory facilities. These projects will be rolled out on a phased basis, starting with the additional bed blocks, followed by the A&E upgrade.
UHG is one of the busiest hospitals in the country serving a population of 850,000 people.
“Construction is a while away from starting yet, but the appointment of the design team is a huge step in a very positive direction.” Deputy Connolly added.
No specific timeline has yet been set for the works.