Up to 300 additional heart operations will be carried out at Cork University Hospital annually following an announcement by the Government of the development of a new £65 million cardiac and kidney facility.
Speaking at CUH yesterday the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, said he hoped the 120-bed unit would go some way towards improving the quality of heart and kidney care in the region.
"The southern region has the highest incidence of premature mortality from cardiovascular disease in Ireland. The unit will lead to increased capacity which will have a dramatic impact on waiting lists and waiting times," he said.
It is estimated that surgeons will be able to carry out 750 heart operations annually when the building is operational as opposed to a current average of 400.
The cardiac and renal dialysis building will include a coronary care unit, a cardiac diagnostic and treatment centre, and rehabilitation suites.
The renal dialysis unit was designed in a partnership arrangement with the Irish Kidney Association and consists of 23 treatment bays and isolation rooms.
CUH has already embarked on a major capital programme with developments in progress including a new oncology radiotherapy unit, A&E unit, and a maternity unit.
The General Manager at CUH, Mr Tony McNamara, said the announcement of additional capital expenditure was an enormous vote of confidence for the hospital.
"It brings total capital investment on the site to £150 million over the next five years," he said.