Call to expedite Athy hospital extension tender

KILDARE Senator Mark Wall has welcomed that progress continues on St Vincent's Hospital in Athy but warned that “there can be no delays as it progress to tender stage”.

The Senator was recently informed that the project is still under detailed design.

After a tender competition it is expected to appoint a contractor before the end of next June, which will see the construction of a 92-bed extension, with a price tag of €35m. 

"There is a proud history of St Vincent’s Hospital in Athy," said Senator Wall.

"It can trace its history back to the opening of the Athy workhouse on 9 January 1844.  This was an event that came just in time to relieve some of the harshest effects of the Famine around that area of south Kildare." 

He added: “The Sisters of Mercy arrived there as nursing sisters in 1873, and in 1898, it became a county home.

"The 175 or so staff that work in the hospital have a reputation for care that goes above and beyond their call of duty and it is the number one reason why there is always a waiting list of families hoping to obtain a bed for their loved ones.

“Not a week passes that I don't get a call or meet a family or individual who tell me of the extraordinary care their loved ones are receiving in St Vincent’s or indeed have received there.

“The hospital attracts patients from all over Kildare and neighbouring counties. It is a source of great pride for the people of Athy that the hospital is located in the town.

“That is why the people of Athy and the staff of the hospital are anxious of the future of this great hospital which has stood on the site for over 180 years, and that is why a new hospital in Athy is long overdue.

“We all know our population is getting older, so the outstanding services in St. Vincent's are needed, and progress and completion of this project is an election priority for me."