Irish Medical Times Medical News for Healthcare Professionals
Plans in motion to conduct Aspergillus prevention works on the live acute hospital campus
The proposed development of a new €150 million National Maternity Hospital (NMH) on the campus of St Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) will require demolition and excavation works that could result in an increased risk of Aspergillus spore release into the atmosphere, thereby resulting in an increased risk of invasive Aspergillus in at-risk patient groups, it has emerged.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has previously highlighted that growing populations of patients are at risk of acquiring Aspergillus infection — an organism that can cause a potentially fatal infection in immuno-compromised patients — as a consequence of hospital renovation, construction or demolition work in or near to clinical areas.
As a result, plans are being made to conduct Aspergillus prevention works on the live acute hospital campus in advance of the new NMH works.
This comes after agreement was reached last November between SVUH and the NMH at Holles Street on the transfer of the maternity hospital to the Elm Park campus, following talks brokered in recent months by Kieran Mulvey, former head of the Workplace Relations Commission. A dispute broke out last year between the hospitals, relating to governance and independence.
The prevention works comprise the erection of “dust bubbles” at required locations, the formation of openings and their sealing, the sealing of windows, vents and alterations to existing windows, the fitting of local ductwork and the removal of glazing and replacement with insulated panels.
Works will also include minor building works and the installation of local air handling units to supply filtered fresh air. This will require the management and coordination of the works with SVUH Technical Services and Infection Control Departments, the training of staff on use of air handling equipment, and establishment of connections to existing mechanical and electrical systems.
SVUH is looking to recruit a Project Supervisor Construction Stage for all the works over an estimated six-month period.
Government approval for the project was given in May 2013 and it is included in the HSE’s capital plans.
A Strategic Infrastructure Development application was set to be made to An Bord Pleanála early this year.
lloyd.mudiwa@imt.ie
