PLANNING permission has been granted to build a three-storey extension at University Maternity Hospital Limerick (UMHL), which will include a new assessment unit for early stage pregnancy and be constructed using the latest rapid build technology.
The proposed development by the HSE for the hospital on the Ennis Road will provide two levels of clinical accommodation on the ground and first floor, with a plant-room and external plant-floor on the second floor.
This will involve construction of a new early pregnancy assessment unit (EPAU), the expansion of the maternity emergency unit (MEU), and refurbishment of the main entrance reception and waiting area.
Once completed, it’s hoped to provide separate areas for different care pathways, including termination of pregnancy, emergency admissions, and designated clinical rooms for infection prevention and control measures.
A new dedicated patient bed lift will also be directly connected to the EPAU and MEU areas with a new induction of labour suite on the first floor and the existing operating theatres.
54 existing car parking spaces will be impacted by the development and will be relocated on site with 21 spaces to be relocated adjacent to the new extension and 33 at a proposed new car park at the south-east of the site.
An enclosed services plant room will also be provided on the roof along with some open air plant equipment area.
The project will be constructed using rapid build technology due to “the urgency with which the new facilities are required at the hospital”, according to the architectural design statement, and it is expected that there will be a high level of off site construction methods to reduce the construction period.
In the planning report, prepared by MKO Consultants, the purpose of the development is to “support the existing functions and provide improved care for pregnant women on the site”.
“The proposed extension is an interim measure to provide care in line with current national, regional, and local policies and objectives regarding maternity care provisions.”
Currently, the MEU provides emergency and acute care to patients, which will be further improved via the proposed extension and refurbishment works.
Once work under this development is complete, it will provide direct access to the extension area where emergency assessment and care will be provided to patients.
The planning report also states that UMHL is currently “operating at over capacity” and accommodates approximately 4,500 births per year.
“There is an urgent need for this extension to and refurbishment to accommodate patients needs and to maintain the capacity of UMHL, providing safe conditions for staff and patients,” the report stated.
The proposed development is in alignment with the national and local healthcare provisions across the Southern Region assembly.
Under the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP), the expansion is described as an interim measure until a permanent re-location of the hospital can be found.
“The planned relocation of the maternity hospital, whilst planned for, the procedural processes for this are yet to commence at the time of preparing this planning application. Thus, an expansion to the current hospital campus is urgently needed in the meantime,” the report said.
Last year, planning permission was granted for a single-storey extension to the rear of UMHL to provide storage for the neo natal intensive care unit.
Construction is currently underway for a a two-storey education and research building at UMHL, comprising of internal specialist teaching rooms, study rooms, offices, smarter travel changing facilities and ancillary accommodation.