THE construction of a new hospital for the elderly is ahead of schedule, according to a new timeline issued by the HSE.
A spokesperson for the Health Service Executive (HSE) revealed on Monday that the “commissioning of systems” is due to be underway within weeks.
The 110-bed Community Healthcare Facility at Kilmacrennan Road in Letterkenny could be “operational by end of 2026”, she said.
In earlier updates, the €59m facility was projected to be ready before March next year.
START IN EARLY AUGUST
The HSE stated in January past: “Substantial completion is expected before the end of 2026, with the building becoming operational in Q1, 2027 following the completion of equipping, commissioning and staff familiarisation work streams.”
In March, it stated: “Construction is currently at an advanced stage.”
But in a boost to the project, a HSE spokesperson has now revealed: “Letterkenny Community Healthcare Facility is currently nearing completion with commissioning of systems due to start in early August.
“Construction is still on target to be complete by year end in 2026.
“The building is expected to become operational by end of 2026 but this is dependent on HIQA Registration being granted within that timeframe.”
RECRUITMENT
The spokesperson also assured that staff recruitment “has been underway for a number of months and is continuing” and that “this will ensure the service is ready to operate without delay”.
The community hospital is designed to provide a significant boost in capacity for the care of older people across the county.
The HSE spokesperson said: “The facility will provide modern, fit for purpose clinical services and accommodation.
“A breakdown of beds and services is as follows: 50 long-term care beds; 50 short-term care beds, including 25 rehab-specific beds; and 10 dementia specific beds.”
She added: “The inclusion of a new 10-bed dementia unit as part of this development will provide a person-centred, safe and appropriate environment designed around the needs of people living with dementia and their families.
“Recruitment of staff for the facility has been underway for a number of months and is continuing.
“This will ensure the service is ready to operate without delay upon completion of build and the granting of the required registrations.”
Donegal’s Government minister Charlie McConalogue recently described the “new community hospital in Letterkenny [as] one of the largest single investments in healthcare in Donegal”.