Work to start on Macroom Hospital extension next year, says Minister

PLANNING permission for an extension at Macroom Hospital will be sought in November, with work expected to start in 2019, to be completed by 2020. 

The good news was delivered by Minister of State Jim Daly who visited the hospital last month where he met Bernie Buckley, director of nursing in Macroom Community Hospital, her deputy Joan Dinneen, Friends of Macroom Hospital representatives Breda Cotter, Mary O’Brien, Catherine Coughlan, Isobel Good, Ann O’Mahony, as well as Ber Power, HSE South manager, and Dr Con Kelleher, retired local GP. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the extension/development of Macroom Community Hospital, the possible conversion of the health centre to a daycare unit for the elderly and the use of the converted health centre for other activities; services for children and for the handicapped were suggested.

Assurances were also given that the conversion of the health centre will be addressed in the very near future. Minister Michael Creed also attended the meeting and, along with Minister Daly, said he was most impressed with existing conditions. It is understood that a substantial budget has been allocated for the hospital extension and that extra money may be provided for work on the health centre/daycare unit.