Limerick TD and Minister Patrick O’Donovan has welcomed news from the HSE that four new rehabilitation beds are to open in St. Ita’s Community Hospital. Newcastle West. The decision represents an investment of €310,000 in the Hospital.
“This is fantastic news for St. Ita’s Hospital and brings the total number of rehab beds in the hospital to eighteen. The new unit where the beds are to be located has fourteen beds and is able to accommodate the four new beds.”
“The HSE have confirmed to me that the four new beds which are being made available from increased spending in Health, which will see an initial €310,000 invested will result in six new positions for nurses and therapists in the Hospital.”
“Over the last number of years as a TD and a Minister I have worked closely with; the Department of Health, the HSE, the local management of St. Ita’s and the Friends of St. Ita’s to press for more investment in the Hospital. In that time I have arranged for a number of Minister’s to visit the Hospital, together with several meetings with the HSE during that period.”
“I want to acknowledge the work of the HSE locally in Limerick in securing the investment needed to deliver of these beds. This investment will make a huge difference to individuals and families who are seeking rehab and underlines the importance of St. Ita’s to the delivery of health in our region.”
“These beds will help the flow of patients out of acute hospitals including University Hospital Limerick, before they are in a position to go home. They will also allow people who have experienced a debilitating event to have their independence maximised.”
Patrick O’Donovan paid tribute to the staff of the Hospital and the Friends of St Ita’s who he said have worked tirelessly to advance the Hospital and the local community in West Limerick for the continued and ongoing support to St. Ita’s.
“The HSE have confirmed to me that these beds will open in the coming weeks.”
