Developer offers to build public hospital for HSE in Limerick within seven years

Health minister has not yet appointed a project board three months on from announcing site for new hospital in Limerick

A masterplan for the Ballygrennan site including hospital buildings at the roundabout end. Picture: WhiteBox Developments

A developer has offered to build a public hospital for the HSE in Limerick within five to seven years amid growing concerns at the slow pace of State plans to do so.

The health minister has not yet appointed a project board three months on from announcing a site for a new hospital in Limerick, a department spokesman said on Tuesday.

WhiteBox Developments is already building a cancer unit, housing, and other facilities in a different area at Ballygrennan regeneration complex near the city.

It presented a plan to a meeting of Limerick City and County Council on Monday for further expanding this work to include a hospital.

It said it was “a unique opportunity” to privately deliver a public hospital for the region.

WhiteBox managing director Martin White said the site is supported “by transport infrastructure, integrated healthcare facilities, housing for healthcare workers, and substantial private investment.” 

He claimed the hospital could be delivered “on an accelerated timeline” in comparison to the State’s plans.

“This will help address a critical regional healthcare need far sooner than traditional approaches,” said Mr White.

“We have made a submission in relation to this option to the HSE and are keen to enter into discussions on this with a view to providing a key and accelerated solution to the Mid-West region's healthcare needs.” 

WhiteBox Developments said it was 'a unique opportunity' to privately deliver a public hospital for the region.

The cancer unit is on target to open by December. It is being built in partnership with private healthcare groups UPMC and Bon Secours. The site will also have 115 homes by 2028.

Mr White stressed that the new plans are not for a private hospital, saying it would be a “a privately delivered public hospital that could provide desperately needed beds for the Mid-West within five to seven years".

The phased plan would include a maternity unit and research department. 

HSE Mid West and Limerick council were approached for comment.

Uncertainty over State plans

It comes against a backdrop of uncertainty over the State’s plans.

In March health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill announced a site was bought at Raheen near UHL. She expected an initial report from a project board by September.

A department spokesman said on Tuesday: “The minister is actively considering the make-up of the board, which will be established at the earliest opportunity.” 

The board will develop a “comprehensive strategic plan for the organisation of services and investment in the Mid-West”.

Last year, Hiqa warned the Government of serious risks to patient safety at University Hospital Limerick linked to severe overcrowding, calling for urgent action.

The warning followed the death of Clare teenager Aoife Johnston.

Hiqa had proposed to expand existing services, extend UHL care to a nearby site with shared management, and to build a new hospital at Model 3 level with an additional emergency department.

Ms Carroll MacNeill said she would act on a blended version of the three options.

The spokesman said on Tuesday: “The Raheen site is not intended to replace the UHL Dooradoyle site but to extend the capacity of the hospital across the two sites in line with the Hiqa recommendation under Option B.” 

Plans are also being examined by the HSE to further expand care at Ennis and Nenagh hospitals. Contracts for another 96-bed block at UHL “are expected to be awarded shortly”, he said.