The British health care company, BUPA, is holding discussions with Limerick-based consultants on the building of a private hospital in the city. The plan, which could see the facility located on the grounds of Limerick Regional Hospital, is also being discussed with the Mid-Western Health Board.
A spokesman for BUPA Hospitals confirmed last night that feasibility work had been done on the project, but said discussions were at a "very, very early stage". He added that if the project were to go through, BUPA Hospitals' involvement would be independent of its sister company, the health insurance provider, BUPA Ireland.
BUPA Hospitals owns or has interests in hospitals in the UK, Spain and Hong Kong. Since 1984, it has also been the majority shareholder in Dublin's Blackrock Clinic and is considering a major expansion of that facility. The company has indicated an interest in other acquisitions in Ireland, but the spokesman said Blackrock and Limerick were the only specific projects yet discussed.
It is believed the former Minister for Health, Mr Michael Noonan, held discussions on a proposal for a private hospital, and supported such a development provided the facility was based on the campus of Limerick Regional Hospital.
The nurses' home on the campus is now vacant.
