Letterkenny hospital faces ward closures due to fire safety concern

A new block at Letterkenny University Hospital that has been flooded twice since it opened four years ago is now facing ward closures over fire safety concerns.

The HSE says the emergency department and medical block at the hospital needs fireproofing works, despite the fact that it has a modern fire alarm detection system and significant fire protection measures.

The works are likely to lead to rolling ward closures, though a spokeswoman said any disruption to patients and the hospital would be kept to a minimum.

The spokeswoman was unable to provide any details of the problems that have arisen, though it is understood they do not relate to external cladding issues that are the suspected cause of the Grenfell Tower fire in London last week.

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Minor works required

She said the risk has been identified as low and the works required would be minor.

HSE Estates is in the process of appointing a design team to scope the works.

“It is intended, following a review by the appointed design team, to systematically review each of the three medical wards with a view to carrying out the works in the latter part of the current year,” said the spokeswoman.

Decisions would then be made on the optimum method of carrying out the remedial work, she said.

The €24 million emergency department and medical block in Letterkenny has had a troubled history. The development was announced by then minister for health Micheál Martin in 2003 but took 10 years to see to completion.

Liquidation

In 2010, work stopped on the project when the builders, Michael McNamara & Co, went into liquidation.

The block opened in March 2013 but in July that year a flash flood caused more than €30 million in damage. The flood, caused when a local drain burst its banks, forced the closure of wards as 40 per cent of floor space was wiped out.

A second flood the following year caused further damage and forced the closure of the emergency department for three hours.

The three wards in the block accommodate 48 single, ensuite beds.