The long awaited new buildings at Ennis General Hospital have finally opened the public this afternoon, years after the project was first planned.
The Phased opening of a new 25 bed ward opened at around 1 o’clock this afternoon, with patients being transferred from the old St. Caimin’s Male Medical Ward to the new Burren Ward which comprises 25 ensuite single rooms with the latest in patient care technology.
A further 25 beds are to open within the next seven weeks, and it’s hoped the 15 million euro development will provide some certainty for the future of hospital services in Clare.
James Carmody from Newmarket on Fergus became the first patient to move to the new Burren Ward this afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Environment Minister Phil Hogan has defended the decision of Clare County Council to ask students applying for third level grants for proof that they’ve paid their household charge.
Minister Hogan said the Council was following his instructions to ensure there was a higher level of compliance in relation to the payment of the 100 euro levy.
The Council, which has been widely criticised for the letters, says grants have not been withheld – but that applicants who have paid the charge will be given priority.
