Galway’s Portiuncula University Hospital request permission to build €12m extension
Planning permission for a €12m Emergency Department extension at Portiuncula University Hospital has been lodged with Galway County Council.
The development proposes to extend the existing lower ground floor as well as the current Emergency Department by adding a new 310 m² single-storey extension, along with a series of phased internal refurbishment works.
Aiming to create a more comfortable patient environment, the extension will provide nine new patient cubicles, a gynaecology treatment room, additional staff, and clinical support facilities.
The extension will also connect to the existing building that leads to the paediatric waiting area and new toilet facilities, improving the segregation of paediatric patients within the department.
Traffic flow around the Emergency Department is set to be reconfigured with a new public entrance lobby that includes a security room near a redesigned ambulance drop-off and set-down area. The current two-way traffic system will change to one-way, with new pedestrian crossings to enhance accessibility and safety around the ED entrance.
This is welcomed as a project contributing to the overall development of healthcare infrastructure by the hospital’s general manager, James Jeane saying it’s a “major development for the provision of healthcare” in the surrounding areas.
“The extension to the Emergency Department will help to ensure the continued improvement in the delivery of this vital service. It is projected that it will accommodate 9 additional treatment bays for patients, will improve the overall layout of the department and provided better access for all age groups using the service at the Emergency Department.”
If the planning application is approved, the next step will be the appointment of a contractor.