A number of major construction projects are underway or planned at Sligo University Hospital.
The works will increase the capacity of the hospital in preparation for seasonal increases in patient numbers over the winter.
They will also help meet additional COVID-19 requirements.
Hospital Manager Grainne McCann says a key priority is to be able to meet the growing demand for services and the additional requirements as a result of Covid-19.
Preparation works have started for a new two-storey modular extension at the front of the hospital.
This will provide extra accommodation for the Emergency Department.
It will also facilitate separate areas for patients attending the hospital with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, as well as for those attending for other reasons.
The hospital expects this building will be ready for use by the end of January.
Construction is also due to start next month on a new extension to the Intensive Care ward.
This will provide four new isolation rooms, with utility rooms and stores.
The extension will have access from the existing ICU on Level 8.
This work is due to be completed in autumn of 2021.
Meanwhile, the HSE’s property arm, HSE Estates, has been granted planning permission for a five-storey extension to the hospital, with work starting next year.
The extension will provide two new wards with a total of 42 new single en-suite rooms and additional treatment areas.
The extension will consist of one block along the Mall side of the hospital linking the existing 1970s and 1990s buildings.
A second block will extend out over the current outpatient car park.
The project includes a multi-storey car parking area off Ash Lane.
Construction is due to begin next summer with a completion date set for the middle of 2022.
