Right Care, Right Place, Right Time – New beds opening at Mallow General Hospital will benefit UHK patients

HSE South West is reminding all patients in Kerry that they may be transferred to other facilities in order to maximise access to University Hospital Kerry (UHK) – including Mallow General Hospital where 24 newly-completed single-occupancy inpatient rooms are now in use.

Mallow General Hospital this week welcomed the first patients to a new extension which contains 24 single rooms, providing additional space for people requiring admission and supporting improved patient flow across the entire region, including Kerry.

Damien Moyles, Operations Manager at UHK, said that while patients may begin their care journey at University Hospital Kerry, they may later move to another facility such as Mallow General Hospital or a community hospital – where they will continue to receive the care they need.

“We want to reassure patients that they will only be transferred from UHK for further care when it is medically appropriate to do so. However, it is important you are aware that once your acute care at UHK is complete, we may offer you care at another HSE South West facility. This is part of our normal day-to-day processes, with the patient’s care in mind at all times. Transferring patients from UHK to other appropriate facilities reduces delays for everyone in need of UHK’s services. A transfer to facilities including Mallow General Hospital, or one of our excellent community hospitals, allows us to offer you the Right Care, in the Right Place at the Right time, a core principle of Sláintecare.”

The 24 newly-completed single-occupancy inpatient rooms at Mallow General Hospital are a significant expansion of the hospital's services and capacity, bringing its total inpatient capacity from 71 to 95 beds. The increased bed capacity will ease pressures on the acute hospital system right across HSE South West and improve access to inpatient services.

Patricia Moloney, Director of Nursing at Mallow General Hospital said:

“If you are a patient in University Hospital Kerry and need a longer stay, you may be transferred to us to complete your care. We will make sure you receive excellent care in a warm welcoming environment throughout your stay. We would be proud to be part of your healthcare journey.”

Other options you might be offered when it is time to leave UHK but care is still needed include:

• A short-term placement in a Community Hospital. This may be for rehabilitation, or if someone requires a further short period of care that is not acute.
• A short-term placement in a nursing home.
• Community Intervention Team visits – this is when a person requires intravenous drugs, but they can be administered in their home.

Damien Moyles added:

“All HSE South West teams are working with patients and the public to make sure everyone gets the Right Care, in the Right Place, at the Right Time, delivering on our SláinteCare objectives. The public can help by engaging with all care options.”