Progress on the development of new patient units at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Roscommon and Portiunicala University Hospital in Ballinasloe were raised in the Seanad today.
Senator Eugene Murphy called for an update on both projects, commenting that it was important the extra beds be opened as soon as possible.
In response, Minister Frank Feighan said the 50 bed unit at the Sacred Heart Hospital was currently at detailed design stage with the process expected to take 12 months, this includes the securing of planning permission from Roscommon County Council.
Meanwhile, enabling works have been completed at the Ballinasloe site with an upgrade of natural and medical gas networks taking place.
Tenders have been received and Minister Feighan says it's intended that contracts will be awarded for the 50 bed ward in quarter one of 2022.
Speaking in the Seanad, Minister Feighan said the Government is committed to providing quality care to the older generation.
