Watchdog gives €16m hospital all-clear to open

THE Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) yesterday gave the all-clear for the opening of a new €16.4 million community hospital in Dingle, Co Kerry.

The first residents had been due to transfer to the hospital from the mid-19th century St Elizabeth’s Hospital on July 27, but plans had to be postponed at short notice because HIQA was not satisfied all facilities met required standards.

However, HIQA yesterday issued a certificate of registration to the HSE which will enable the first phase transfer of 46 elderly residents to proceed on October 27.