Michael McHale , 2025-10-13 13:08:00
Just under 400 additional full-time equivalent staff are being recruited for the new bed block with the majority already in post
The Minister for Health has opened 96 new inpatient beds at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said that the development, delivered at a cost of €105m, is significant step towards addressing bed capacity deficits in the Mid West, as highlighted in HIQA’s recently published review of urgent and emergency care in the region.
“I am delighted to be here to officially open Block A, the first of two new 96-bed blocks at the hospital,” she said.
“I know that these beds are very much needed, and that this opening is important not just for Limerick, but for the entire Mid West region. By 2031, an additional 572 inpatient beds will be delivered, an 82 per cent increase to improve access and outcomes for patients.
“Since 2019, UHL’s budget has increased by 91 per cent and by 2028, the number of beds at UHL will be over double the number in 2020. This Government is behind you, and we will continue to invest in this hospital to ensure patients receive safe, high-quality care. This new facility is a testament to our shared commitment to delivering better healthcare for all.”
Developed in a new block linked to UHL’s critical care facilities, the beds are configured in four storeys of 24 en-suite single rooms and bring the hospital’s inpatient bed capacity to 650.
Providing two new wards for older persons, one renal ward and one trauma ward, the single rooms maximise protection for patients with infection prevention and control requirements. Each of the four wards has purpose-designed specialist rooms; including a bariatric room, two isolation rooms and one disabled-access room.
Rooms on each ward are arranged in three groups of eight, with one nursing and support station for each group. All rooms have views either across Limerick city or over landscaped courtyards, benefiting from natural light and ventilation for patient wellbeing. The spacious rooms are designed to better facilitate family contact and each ward has its own waiting area and family meeting room.
Meanwhile, the new bed capacity has also facilitated redesignation of two new medical wards within the wider hospital, and is expected to allow for improved patient flow across the hospital.
Just under 400 additional full-time equivalent staff are being recruited for the new bed block with the majority already in post.
“This is a proud day for the HSE Mid West,” said regional executive officer Sandra Broderick. “Our workforce has shown extraordinary dedication, compassion and resilience, often under intense pressure and scrutiny. They come to work every day to care for people in their community — quietly, professionally, and without expectation of praise. They are a true credit to this health service.
“This new 96-bed block is much more than a building. It represents hope — for our patients who deserve timely access to care, and for our staff who have worked so hard for so long to make this possible.
“Delivering 96 new beds — almost half the size of an entire Model 3 hospital — is no small achievement. It took almost one million hours of work, delivered through a pandemic, supply challenges, and while operating over the busiest Emergency Department in the country. That deserves real recognition.” Ms Broderick added.
Head of Acute and Older People Services at HSE Mid West, Ian Carter, said: “UHL has for many years been operating in excess of optimal capacity and this has adversely impacted both patient flow and patient experience. There are two chief means of reducing congestion in our hospitals – by adding capacity and through process improvement.
“The opening of this bed block can signify progress on both fronts. It affords us the opportunity to introduce specialty cohorting on medical wards across the wider hospital, allowing for more effective allocation of specialty staff and improved discharge planning.
“The improved care environment will assist all patients in their recovery and in particular our older patients who are most at risk from prolonged waiting times for admission. Half of the additional beds we have opened are designated for the care of older persons,” Mr Carter added.
