Refurbishment work under way at Kerry hospital
Work will continue for 14 weeks during which there will be reduced bed capacity that will be monitored on a continuous basis in order to minimise any impact on the hospital, according to the HSE.
The “significant and necessary upgrade” has started in the Loher and Dinish wards and will also involve other areas in the hospital, as well as additional refurbishment works which will help ensure compliance with hygiene and infection control standards.
“Some disruption will be caused during the course of these works which will necessitate the scheduled re-accommodation of a number of patients over a period of time within the hospital,” said a HSE spokesperson.
“Management of Kerry General Hospital is working closely with all consultants and senior nurse managers in relation to maximising available beds.”
In relation to surgical services, day procedures are to be maximised and admission /discharge arrangements are being streamlined in operating theatres and outpatients departments.
This is aimed at ensuring maximum use of available bed capacity and the most efficient use of available resources, the HSE said.
Also, when the redeveloped Acute Medicine Unit (AMU) comes into operation at the hospital, next month, patients referred by GPs will be assessed and decisions about their care fast-tracked by a consultant prior to admission.
Preparations for the introduction of this service are being finalised with the input of medical consultants in the hospital as well as GPs in the community.
Separately, the HSE has been called on to cut down trees in the Tralee hospital grounds, as they’re causing problems for neighbouring home owners, it has been claimed.
Sinn Féin Tralee town councillor Cathal Foley said residents in Marian Park, which adjoins the hospital grounds, were suffering because the trees were blocking satellite signals, light, and drains.
The council is to write to HSE on the issue.
