Work has started on the construction of a new €7.5 million 30-bed unit at The Royal Hospital Donnybrook (RHD). The new unit is expected to come on stream early next year, and it will bring the number of in-patient beds to 230. The hospital also has a 25-bed day hospital which caters for up to 125 additional patients each week who commute from their homes for further rehabilitation.

The RHD is the oldest voluntary hospital of its kind in Ireland or Britain, and it provides rehabilitation, complex extended care and respite services to older people and to adults with physical and neuro-disability. The additional beds will be devoted to complex continuing care.

Founded by Royal Charter in 1743, The Royal Hospital Donnybrook was initially financed by the proceeds from the second performance of Handel’s Messiah in Dublin.

Above: Recently-constructed accomodation for patients at RHD.