Robinson Hospital to Undergo £3.2m Extension and Upgrade

Robinson Memorial Hospital on Newal Road in Ballymoney is set for a significant extension and refurbishment.

Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council has received a planning application for the proposed development to enhance patient care and expand healthcare facilities.

The project involves constructing an extension to add five new patient bedrooms with integrated ensuite shower rooms, additional physio and healthcare facilities, and ancillary accommodation for storage, plant, and circulation.

A partial basement will provide plant space and maintain level access to the existing bedroom ward, integrating seamlessly with the current hospital structure.

The proposal necessitates partially demolishing the existing day room and conservatory, with the new extension occupying these areas.

Approved by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust last year, the £3.2m project is also supported by the hospital’s charitable trust.

A Trust board director stated, “We are keen to move forward. We do believe this will improve patient experience.”

Initially approved in May 2021 at a cost of £2.2m, the project faced delays due to various pressures, including the Covid-19 pandemic and difficulties in securing a decant option. Despite these challenges, Robinson Hospital served as a "consistent Covid step down hospital" during the pandemic.

Robinson Memorial Hospital functions as a community rehabilitation facility with 16 beds, providing care for patients requiring rehabilitation, palliative care, or further assessment following acute hospital admission. Local GPs manage admitted patients' medical needs, with support from a multidisciplinary team to facilitate their discharge.

The planning application will be reviewed by the council's planning committee in the coming months.