A NEW ward extension for Raheen Community Hospital will be operational by the end of June, Scariff-based TD Michael McNamara has learned. 

The Independent Dáil member confirmed that he has received an update from the Health Service Executive (HSE). “The extension which includes the provision of seven long-stay replacement beds, is currently under construction and is due to be completed during April,” explained Deputy McNamara.

“Equipping of the ward extension will commence once construction has completed. The HSE has informed me that following equipping and the registration of beds by the Health Information & Quality Authority (HIQA), the ward extension will become fully operational. It is anticipated that the facility will open by the end of June.”

Deputy McNamara said the news will be very much welcomed by the people of East Clare who have “battled hard for investment” in the small community hospital.

“When I was first elected as a TD in 2011, there was a proposal to close smaller community hospitals, such as Raheen,” he also noted.

“Upgrade works were undertaken during this period at Kilrush and Ennistymon community hospitals, but little progress was being made in Raheen.

“After a focus was brought to this vital community resource by the visit of the then Junior Health Ministers, Alex White and Kathleen Lynch, which I initiated, the HSE implemented substantial capital investment plans in the intervening years.  I now look forward to the opening of the new extension.”