Construction of new UHG unit to start this year

Tony Canavan told a meeting of the regional health forum that construction would take 18 months.

He added that as a result options were currently being considered to facilitate the closure of the 17 bed St. Rita's ward.

A cost benefit analysis is also underway for submission to the national capital steering group to replace the existing emergency department at UHG.

Tuam area Councillor Mary Hoade told the forum the facility was built to cater for 100 patients, and during the month of January there was almost 250 patients presenting.