Tipperary TD Martin Browne is welcoming a HSE update on plans for a new 60 bed Community Nursing Unit for Cashel.
The project is delayed as the HSE seeks to find a suitable site.
The HSE revealed yesterday that it is considering a new access point to lands that it owns at Palmer’s Hill in Cashel from the Ballyknock road.
The project under consideration consists of 50 rooms and 10 long stay beds. Ideally the HSE would like to deliver this in a location with space for expansion.
It was also confirmed that the project is not a Public Private Partnership and that this gives the HSE flexibility with the design to include multiple family rooms.
Deputy Browne reveals that current designs are for a two storey block – however if the Palmers Hill site is selected, his preference would be for this to be a single story building to fit in with the existing landscape.
The HSE is hoping to have completed all assessments on the site by December 2023.
Deputy Browne says the HSE considers that St Patrick’s Hospital is not a viable option as a site for the CNU unless buildings were to be demolished.
The future use of Our Lady’s Hospital is also intertwined in the project as 40 residents currently in Our Lady’s are expected to move into the new facility when it is delivered.
HSE officials say this is unlikely for at least 4 – 5 years.
HSE officials say that a cost analysis for the project is to be completed and that the project has an estimated cost of €20M.
