€7.85m funding approval for 10-bed Medical Rehab Unit

Press Statement May 14th 2014

€7.85m funding approval for 10-bed Medical Rehab Unit a major investment boost for Roscommon Hospital

*Unit to create up to 50 jobs when fully complete

Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has welcomed confirmation that the HSE has approved €7.85m in funding for the design and build of a stand-alone 10-bed Medical Rehabilitation Unit on the grounds of Roscommon Hospital.

 “This is fantastic news for Roscommon Hospital which will see the initial development of a 10-bed inpatient ward accommodation on a greenfield site on the hospital campus. Another 10 beds is also expected to be delivered over a phased basis.

“The Rehab Unit will operate as a satellite centre to the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Dun Laoghaire and will operate under its auspices. The Dun Laoghaire hospital does marvellous work for patients with a range of neurological needs such as brain and spinal injuries.

“However, almost a quarter of patients treated at NRH normally reside in the HSE West region as currently, there are no dedicated rehab units in the West. This satellite Rehab Unit planned for Roscommon will relieve pressure on existing services and waiting times at NRH and will also allow patients to be treated in their own community.

 “I’m also delighted to say that due to the range of specialist therapy services to be provided, it’s estimated that once the Rehab Unit becomes fully operational, it will create 25 jobs initially and up to 50 jobs when all phases are complete. These jobs are apart from the employment which will be created during the construction phase.

“The jobs required for the Rehab Unit will be across a range of disciplines including a dedicated consultant, nursing, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech & language therapists, clinical psychologists, dieticians, chiropodists, administration and varied support services.

 “The Rehab project is one of three major capital developments being planned at Roscommon Hospital; the other two are an Endoscopy Unit, which will be ready to open in September, and a Hospice Care Centre.

“I expect that work on the Rehab Unit will commence immediately after the opening of the Endoscopy Unit. I said I would deliver for Roscommon Hospital and this is more hard evidence that the hospital has a very bright long-term future. As a Government TD, I have used my influence at the highest level to help deliver these major developments for Roscommon.”

ENDS

Contact Deputy Feighan on (086) 833 1234.