Taoiseach, Simon Harris has officially opened the €129 million Phase 1 of the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire.
Phase One, which provides for 120 new single bed ensuite rooms, in 8 wards on 4 separate levels and integrated rehabilitation-specific treatment spaces, was delivered on time and within budget.
The NRH site development consists of three distinct phases.
Phase 2 provides for the relocation to the new building of all remaining therapies and support facilities in the original building in order to have a fully functional hospital. Completion of Phase 2 will serve to minimise patients transferring long distances across the hospital for treatment, thereby maximising therapy impact.
Phase 3 provides for scaling the National Rehabilitation Hospital up to a 235 Bed Hospital in accordance with an NRH brief for the long term development of the campus.
The multi award-winning rehabilitation hospital is a country-first and will accommodate the complex needs of patients requiring specialist rehabilitation services.
An Taoiseach said, “The work of the staff of the National Rehabilitation Hospital has always been world class. Now, it’ll be done in a purpose-designed, purpose-built and state-of-the-art facility. I am delighted to see first-hand the incredible service provided to patients here and to officially open phase 1 of the hospital’s redevelopment project.
“This unique project will allow staff to deliver dedicated services and therapies to patients in a brilliant setting. I know this project will only enhance the extraordinary work of the hospital and I want to thank the board, management, staff for providing this critical care to those in need.”
NRH Chairman, Mr Kieran Fleck said, “The building was completed and opened less than three years after the formal ‘Sod Turning.’ The Taoiseach, who was then Minister for Health, was present at that event and we are delighted to welcome him back on this happy occasion to formally mark the opening of Phase 1 of the new world class National Rehabilitation Hospital, which was delivered on time and within budget.
“Phase one of the three-phase major Capital Development is a partnership between the HSE and the NRH. The design of the new hospital is patient-centred and is based on the principles of empowerment, dignity, privacy and choice.
“The redevelopment and architectural design follows intensive research into the best evidence -based rehabilitation services and facilities internationally. Every aspect of the design reflects and meets the needs of our specialist staff in providing specialist complex rehabilitation services. The new hospital complies with best international practice and infection prevention and control guidelines – a vital requirement in minimising the potential for transmission of respiratory viruses, and facilitatiing more effective management of Health Care Acquired Infections (HCAIs).”
“We look forward to working with the HSE to deliver Phases 2 and 3 of this vital capital redevelopment project.
The NRH would also like to congratulate our former patients on their fantastic achievement in qualifying for the 2024 Paralympic Games including: Kerrie Leonard (Para Archery), Kate Kerr Horan (Para Equestrian), Britney Arendse (Para Power Lifting) and Colin Judge (Para Table Tennis)
The National Rehabilitation Hospital is the only such dedicated hospital in the country providing complex specialist rehabilitation services for people who have acquired disabilities (temporary or permanent) as a result of an accident, injury or illness. Consultant led Specialist Rehabilitation is delivered by Interdisciplinary Teams. through comprehensive Inpatient, Day-Patient and Outpatient services. In recent years referrals to the hospital have increased as a result of general population increases and survival rates for patients treated in acute hospitals due to advances in medical technology.
Rehabilitation programmes at NRH are tailored to meet the individual needs of adult and paediatric patients in the following areas of specialty:
- Brain Injury (including traumatic and non-traumatic brain injury and other neurological conditions)
- Stroke Specialty Programme
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Prosthetic, Orthotic and Limb Absence Rehabilitation (POLAR)
- Paediatric-Family Centred Rehabilitation
Many patients will have a life-long relationship with the hospital following completion of their in-patient rehabilitation programme.
All of the clinical services at the NRH are accredited by CARF(Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation) which is an independent, International Accrediting body.
