‘Final review’ of new hospital plan
The Board of the Saolta University Health Care Group is carrying out a final review of a document outlining its future infrastructural needs in Galway – which is expected to include a proposal for a new elective hospital on the grounds of Merlin Park.
Two senior Government ministers have already come out in support of the proposal, calling for the project to be prioritised and completed “as quickly as possible”.
Minister for Education, Joe McHugh, and Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, both voiced their support for the campaign for the new hospital.
“The decision by government to approve the construction of an elective hospital in Galway is a positive one for the entire region,” said Minister McHugh.
“It is one I very much support and will be indicating to my Cabinet colleague, the Minister for Health [Simon Harris], the importance of progressing this facility as quickly as possible,” he added.
The decision was also welcomed by Minister Ring, who described the planned hospital as “critical for healthcare in the West of Ireland”.
“The project is vital for the future wellbeing of our population, and I will be discussing the matter with the minister for health to ensure the hospital is delivered as soon as possible,” he said.
Responding to questions in the Dáil from Galway West TD Catherine Connolly in relation to the ‘options appraisal’ for a hospital at Merlin Park, Health Minister Simon Harris said the Saolta Board – which operates Galway’s public hospitals – is currently considering a draft report.
For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.
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