Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD, Mary Mitchell O’ Connor, having recently met with the design team of the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Dun Laoghaire, has today (Wednesday), reiterated her strong support for a prompt upgrade and urges people to engage in the design process.

“As it stands the NRH building is simply not fit for purpose. An upgrade is long overdue and I would encourage all interested parties to engage in the design process.

“The NRH is submitting a planning application to An Bord Pleanala in the coming weeks to replace the existing beds and therapy services on the campus. This will be the first purpose-built rehabilitation facility in Ireland, and will replace all existing patient ward accommodation with new purpose designed patient bedrooms and integrated rehabilitation-specific treatment spaces.

“If everything goes to plan and approval is granted, a contractor will be appointed and it is hoped that the project will be completed by mid-2017.

“The first stage of the upgrade will include building the 120 bedroom hospital to replace the existing small, cramped 110 bedrooms, an 8 bedroom Paediatric unit, a special brain injury unit, a sports hall for wheelchair rugby and basketball, a hydrotherapy pool and integrated therapy rooms. Each room will have a patient information system pad and will use advanced technology for voice control and slight movement control.

“The NRH is not just a building; it is a place where service users should be able to rehabilitate in a positive, supporting and welcoming environment. The upgrade of the NRH will hugely improve the level of care being given to those using the services.

“The NRH provides a comprehensive range of specialised rehabilitation services to adult and paediatric patients who, as a result of an accident, illness or injury have acquired a physical or cognitive disability and require specialist rehabilitation.

“It is estimated that the first phase of the project will cost €40 million and this is being funded by the NRH foundation, the sale of NRH land and by the HSE.

“This is an extremely important project and one I have been supporting for some time. I would encourage anyone who is interested to get involved and to contribute to positive change.”