A contractor has been selected for the construction of a new 50 bed ward at Portiuncula Hospital.
It's understood the unit will become operational by the middle of 2023 with the signing of the contract due to take place shortly.
Enabling works have been completed at the Ballinasloe site with an upgrade of natural and medical gas networks taking place.
The 15 million euro project will include a 4,000 sqm building with a 50-bed unit and a link corridor incorporating lift and storage area.
Local TD Denis Naughten is welcoming the news and says an additional 12 beds will be opened at the hospital shortly to help with current overcrowding issues: