Temporary units approved for 'critical dialysis' service in north

But committee stresses issues at RDCH need 'to be resolved sooner rather than later'

Further temporary units are to be placed at Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital for up to two years.

The Planning Committee today (22 June) approved plans which will see mobile renal units and a reverse osmosis plant installed on the site to facilitate continuous dialysis procedures in the north.

They won't be for permanent use but are 'required as an interim solution to critical dialysis whilst extensive unforeseen refurbishment works are undertaken to the existing Ramsey Hospital site'.

(Example of temporary unit in UK)

It comes as some services in the north have been relocated since last year after 'significant issues' with the building were discovered whilst tackling a pest infestation on Martin Ward.

The Department of Infrastructure has already spent around £1.5 million addressing some of the issues that were found.

The committee heard that if the renal services resume in the actual building during the course of the 24 months, the temporary units will be removed.

They'll be placed north of the main buildings on a field; and will be delivered to the hospital site via an articulated lorry, with the trailer remaining onsite with the unit attached for the duration.

(Location of temporary unit, added to image from Google Maps)

As a result, there'll be no loss of parking, which was the case for a temporary dental unit, which sees 10 spaces out of action for its 18-month duration.

Parking was discussed by the committee with concerns raised over provision of disabled spaces in the immediate vicinity.

The application was approved unanimously, with a condition added for parking in the area to be reviewed.

Commenting on the application, Chair of the Planning Committee, Rob Callister said it was "disappointing that we're in this position" as "these services should be inside the hospital".

He stressed the issues in the northern facility need "to be resolved sooner rather than later".

A recent independent survey found Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital needs around £4 million of immediate investment to address critical building and infrastructure issues.

You can read more here.