Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton, has confirmed that enabling works to facilitate services for the planned extension of the Midleton Community Hospital have begun on site.
The works to ensure the relevant service connections represent the first step in the proposed upgrade of Midleton Community Hospital which when completed, will see the construction of a 50 bed, two storey community nursing and residential care unit.
The design teams and technical advisors for the project have been appointed and the HSE has obtained planning permission for the extension, which is one of seven Community Nursing Units (CNU) to be developed by a public private partnership (PPP) initiative under the Capital Programme for Older Persons Residential Centres. Evaluation of the tender submissions for the proposed development remains ongoing by the HSE with a view to identifying the preferred bidder in the first quarter of next year.
Deputy Stanton said: “The beginning of the enabling works on site at Midleton Community Hospital is a very positive first step in the further development and modernisation of a highly beneficial facility for both Midleton town and the local East Cork area. The upgrade will include a wide range of different rooms and amenities for residents, enhanced facilities for visitors and much-needed further accommodation and office space for hospital staff.
“HSE and Department of Health officials have worked hard to ensure that this important project continues to progress with planning permission secured for all sites and enabling works having begun. Tender submissions for the construction of the extension continue to be evaluated by the HSE but I am hopeful that a final decision will be made as soon as is possible in the first three months of 2021”, concluded David Stanton.
