By Michelle Crean

Kerry healthcare services are set to receive a €13.11m boost in funding this year which will greatly enhance their services.

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University Hospital Kerry (UHK) will receive over €12.5 million in funding this year for a host of key projects including over €6.5 million to fund a state-of-the-art new Blood Science Project creating a vertical extension and the refurbishment of the existing pathology laboratory.

Cahersiveen Community Hospital will receive €140,000 for the provision of a new Ambulance station, while Listowel Community Hospital will receive an investment of €160,000 which will facilitate the refurbishment and extension of a 33 bed facility.

Nationally the health capital funding available in 2022 for the construction and equipping of healthcare facilities is €1.02bn, an increase of 4% on 2021.

Cahersiveen Community Hospital will be given €240,000 for the provision of a new ambulance station and the HIQA compliance refurbishment and extension of 33 beds.

Listowel Community Hospital is set to get €160,000 for the JIQA compliance and extension of 24 beds.

As part of the €12.5 million funding for UHK €20,000 will be for construction works to allow for the installation of a second CT scanner, €1.13 million in funding to build five new single en-suite rooms in an existing orthopaedic ward, €600,000 in funding to enhance maternity birthing development including triage assessment, an antenatal ward, single bed induction rooms, birthing rooms and ancillary accommodation, €1.8 million will fund the provision of an additional theatre (Obstetrics), plus upgrade of an existing theatre and vertical extension, while €1.1 million will be spent on the replacement of key water infrastructure. €750,000 will cover installation of a new emergency lighting system, while €300,000 will go towards the reconfiguration of the existing High Dependency Unit. €250,000 will be spent this year on the upgrade and extension to the Oncology Ward.

“I welcome the significant investment of over €13 million in healthcare facilities which is a clear endorsement of the excellence in vital healthcare provision delivered on a daily basis throughout the county,"
Minister Foley said.

"This funding will significantly enhance the provision of vital local services in the county. I also welcome the important investment in University Hospital Kerry which will provide for an extension and refurbishment to establish a new Blood Science project, the improvement of maternity facilities and the provision of a new obstetrics operating theatre which will improve and enhance the already excellent facilities available. I have consistently advocated for enhanced and additional health services in the county with Minister Donnelly and I wish to thank him for this significant investment in the provision of healthcare services in Kerry.”