Future of Skibb Hospital secured

THE future of Skibbereen Community Hospital has been secured by a substantial investment that will see the hospital complex extended by 436 sq m.

Paddy Ryan, the director of nursing, confirmed that Cork County Council granted the Health Service Executive planning permission on Monday, June 25th last.

Mr Ryan said: ‘The development will pave the way for the construction of eight single en-suite rooms and one three-bedded room, which
will also be en-suite.

‘This extension will allow us to reduce our current six-bedded rooms to four, thereby meeting Hiqa standards. We will also be creating a new family room, a quiet sitting room, and we will be installing a new linen room and equipment storage room, all of which makes running the hospital easier and more efficient,’ said Mr Ryan.

‘This development,’ he added, ‘will provide us with excellent residential facilities and offer the residents more privacy because as part of the new development the majority of the rooms will be given a re-fit.’

The work will involve the construction of three single storey new extensions that will be located to the north, east, and south-east sides of the existing building.

It will also involve the demolition and internal refurbishment works; the provision of an external water storage tank, which is part of the fire compliance regulations, and other site development works.

At present, Skibbereen Community Hospital has 40 beds, and although the development will greatly enhance the health care facility, Mr Ryan said the number of residents will not increase.