Cork University Hospital is to get a new &8364;75 million maternity unit after the Minister for Health, Mr Micheál Martin, announced his approval for the project today.
The new 150-bed unit will replace the services being provided at St Finbarr’s Hospital and at the Ernville Hospital and will cater for an estimated 7,000 births each year.
Along with the obstetrics and pregnancy related gynaecology facilities, 50 cots for neonatal services will be provided. Building of the unit is expected to begin in September.
Mr Martin described the new unit as the most significant development in maternity services in Cork for several years, and he expects it to become a centre of excellence providing access to modern facilities.