ONE of the longest established hospitals in the region turns the page on a new chapter in its history this week, with the opening of a new 24-bed extension.
Named after the nearby river, the Maigue unit at Croom Orthopaedic Hospital is a modern ward complex, with its 24 en-suite single rooms built around a courtyard garden area.
Its opening is the first in a series of works that will make the hospital one of the most advanced in its field.
Work is continuing on a new €15million theatre suite, along with four new operating theatres, a first stage recovery room and reception area, as well as a sterile services department and other ancillary support spaces.
The phased opening of the first floor facilities will also include a pre-operative assessment and admissions unit and a new day ward.
UL Hospitals Group chief executive Professor Colette Cowan said the opening of the Maigue unit was only part of the ongoing success story that is Croom Orthopaedic Hospital.
“The development of the hospital’s pain management service will create additional employment opportunities for pain specialists, from Advanced Nurse Practitioners to staff nurses, in addition to allied health professionals and administrative support.”
Nursing and Midwifery Director Margaret Gleeson , said that the new unit and other developments under way will place Croom firmly on the map for nurses looking for career opportunities.
“There is a well-established training collaboration with the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Cappagh, and the nursing staff also work closely with the trauma unit in University Hospital Limerick. This training culture, along with the increase in surgical day cases and the continued development of the pain management and rheumatology services, makes Croom a true jewel in terms of career progression and development.”
Katie Sheehan, Assistant Director of Nursing at Croom said the immediate focus was on recruiting staff nurses with an interest in orthopaedic and theatre services.
“Nurses will also be able to rotate between Croom and University Hospital Limerick, and benefit from the postgraduate educational opportunities that flow from UL Hospitals Group’s partnership with the University of Limerick,” she added.
