Planning go-ahead for €12m Portiuncula A & E extension

A €12m extension to the emergency department at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe has been given the planning go-ahead by Galway County Council.

The primary works will involve the construction of a 310 square metre single storey extension along with the internal refurbishment of the existing department.

The extension will make provision for nine new patient cubicles, including a gynaecology treatment room and associated staff and clinical support facilities. 

It will link into the existing building through a new accessible reception, which will lead to a newly formed dedicated paediatric waiting area.

The plans also comprise a reconfigured ambulance drop-off and set-down area along with a new public entrance lobby.

As part of the development, the existing emergency department will undergo a series of phased internal refurbishment works to provide modernised staff changing facilities, additional patient treatment cubicles and reconfigured storage and staff support facilities.

The next stage of the project will involve tendering to appoint a building contractor.