LATEST: Kildare hospital receives update on proposed new nursing unit
The announcement was welcomed by a TD for Kildare South
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has shared an update regarding the development of a new community nursing facility at St Vincent’s Hospital in Athy.
Back in August of 2023, a number of Kildare-based politicians welcomed the granting of planning permission for a 92-bed community nursing unit in Athy.
And now, a new update has been released by the HSE in relation to the project.
Kildare South TD Mark Wall shared the update yesterday (Wednesday, October 22 last) in his opening address to a symposium on quality and patient safety in St Vincent’s Hospital.
During this event, which was organised by the hospital, Deputy Wall said: "This proposed new facility will provide over 7,000 square metres of floor area, including single-storey dementia wards over a phased build, and will see the demolition of the current five single-storey prefab wings that are attached to the existing protected structure.
"This project will be completed in two phases, with the 48-bed unit to the rear of the site to be delivered as part of the first construction phase, while phase two will entail a further 44 beds including two ten-bed dementia units and three associated courtyards over one and two storeys."
He continued: "In the most recent update I have received from the HSE, I have been informed that the preparation of the final tenders for the first phase continues.
"It is hoped that construction will begin in the first half of 2026, with phase one to take 18 months of construction. I have been also informed that some preparation work will hopefully be carried out in the coming months once the new day care centre is complete."
The Labour Party politician went on to say that St Vincent’s Hospital "has been at the heart of delivering exceptional care" for older people in Athy since 1844.
He elaborated: "So many people hold St Vincent’s in high regard, and it is a source of pride to the people of Athy that this wonderful facility is located in the town.
"These latest developments are most welcome and will only further enhance the exceptional care provided to older people at St Vincent’s."
Deputy Wall concluded: "This new community nursing facility points also to a wider need for a National Dementia Register, and I welcome the recent announcement by Minister of State for Older People Kieran O’Donnell on the commencement of implementing such a register; this will help improve dementia care in Ireland and will keep the vision of Sláintecare alive."
TD for Kildare South Mark Wall (Labour Party). File photograph