University Hospital Limerick Staff Recruitment Nears Completion for New Block

Nearly half of the staff required for the new 96-bed block at University Hospital Limerick is already in place as the facility prepares for its opening in September 2023. The hospital spokesperson confirmed that recruitment efforts are ongoing to fill the remaining 206 positions needed to support the new addition.

The total staff complement for the new block is 394 whole time equivalents (WTE), which includes 140.9 WTE nursing and midwifery positions, 45 WTE medical and dental roles, and various support and administrative positions. As of now, 188.4 WTE staff members have been successfully onboarded, including 99.7 WTE nursing and midwifery and four WTE medical and dental personnel.

New Facility Aims to Address Bed Capacity Issues

The construction of the new €90 million ward block is part of a broader strategy to tackle overcrowding and enhance bed capacity at the hospital. This four-story extension is being built above the existing emergency and renal department extension. While the new facility will feature 96 single en suite rooms, it is important to note that it will not add an equivalent number of new beds to the hospital’s overall capacity.

Upon completion, the hospital will gain only 48 additional beds, as half of the beds in the new block will replace those in the older, multi-bed Nightingale wards. The spokesperson emphasized, “Approximately half of the beds will be new beds for inpatients while the remainder will be replacement beds allowing us to close or refurbish some of the more outdated inpatient accommodation on the site.”

Timely Opening Amid Overcrowding Concerns

The opening of the new block is especially crucial as University Hospital Limerick prepares for the upcoming winter infection season. The hospital has recently experienced significant challenges, having been the most overcrowded hospital in the country for a record 200 days.

This project represents a vital step towards addressing the existing deficits in inpatient bed capacity within the UL Hospitals Group and the Mid West region. The new facility not only aims to increase capacity but also ensures compliance with national guidelines and international best practices regarding infection prevention and control.

As recruitment continues, the hospital remains committed to assembling a qualified team to support the new block, which is expected to enhance patient care and improve operational efficiency once fully operational.