| FINANCE Minister Michael Noonan has officially turned the sod of a new multi-million euro unit on the grounds of the Mid Western Regional Hospital. Construction of the €13 unit, which is supported by the JP McManus charitable foundation, is being funded by the Mid-Western Hospitals Development Trust, the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland and the Parkinson's Association of Ireland. When completed, the six-storey unit will bring together existing, and in some cases deliver new, services for patients under one roof - saving lives and increasing life expectancy in the process. In addition to five floors dedicated to breast diseases, stroke/neurological conditions, skin disorders and Cystic Fibrosis, the unit will also include a canteen for the Dooradoyle hospital, replacing the existing canteen on the ground-floor. "Getting to this stage is a milestone moment for our three organisations but, moreover, it is signalling the beginning of a new era and standard of care that will enhance the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of patients across the Mid-West region annually," said Una Anderson Ryan, Chairperson of joint-committee established by the three organisations. "This is a dream come true for the three organisations but, in particular, for the thousands who will benefit from what will be a modern and purpose built facility. It has been a huge effort on the part of the three organisations but the benefits will be so huge for so many that it would be worth doing ... |
