The inclusion of Phases I & II of the redevelopment of the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Project 2040 is great news for the future of the hospital, Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor has said.

Phase I will deliver a 120 bed modern hospital, including support therapies for paediatrics and acquired brain injury wards, hydrotherapy unit and sports hall. This development is now underway and will be operational in 2020.

Phase II will involve the relocation of all existing therapies and support facilities to a new modern development, to serve the new 120 bed hospital to minimise patients transferring long distances across the hospital for treatment, thereby maximising therapy impact.

Minister Mitchell O’Connor said: “The National Rehabilitation Hospital is a key part of our national health infrastructure. The commitment to funding this redevelopment, as set out in Project 2040, is very welcome.

“The National Rehabilitation Hospital provides vital treatment and rehabilitation to patients from across Ireland and is one of the country’s most important health facilities, helping improve the patients’ quality of life.

“Patients arrive to the NRH having had a life-altering injury or condition. They deserve to have the best facilities possible as they begin their rehabilitation journey. The redevelopment of the hospital will significantly improve the NRH experience for patients, their families and the wonderful staff.

“This project is very close to my heart and something I have worked for, for many years. I have met with the Design Team and hosted visits to the site by Minister Harris, and his predecessor, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, in his capacity as Minister for Health at that time.

“In Project 2040, the Government has identified vital national infrastructure development. I am very pleased that the NRH has been identified as such and that this project will proceed.

“This is great news for the patients and staff at the National Rehabilitation Hospital. I would like to pay tribute to the staff for their outstanding professionalism and also to the Board of the National Rehabilitation Hospital. I look forward to seeing the new hospital in 2020.