Contract for the new 42-bed block at Sligo University Hospital expected to be signed before June

The contract for the new 42-bed ward block at Sligo University Hospital will be awarded in Q2 2024, with the works commencing on site in Q3 2024 with an estimated construction programme of 30 months.

Sligo Leitrim Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan recently raised the matter with the Minister for Health in the Dail.

In a written reply from the HSE to Deputy Feighan, it was confirmed that tenders for the 42-bed ward block at Sligo University Hospital, which includes 2 x 21-bed wards, single en suite rooms with ancillary accommodation, are due to be back from qualifying contractors and awarded before the beginning of the summer.

“The hope here is that the contract will be completed by the middle of 2027, which, given the current pressure on hospital beds, is not seen as an immediate fix to the issue; however, we now have a clear pathway and timelines for the work to begin and finish,” he said. 

Deputy Feighan has urged the HSE to ensure no further delays to the timeliness as outlined the extra beds are badly needed. 

“I want to see the HSE begin their planning for recruitment of the relevant staff by the end of next year so we don’t have 40 plus extra hospital beds but cannot open the unit because there isn’t the necessary frontline staff available to the hospital,” he concluded.