The HSE has confirmed that enabling works to progress a new 50-bed unit at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe will begin in August.
At this week's meeting of the Health Forum West, it was confirmed that a contractor for this project is set to be appointed in the coming weeks.
The enabling works are expected to be completed by June next year which will then allow work to begin on the major extension of the hospital, subject to capital approval.
Advertisements to contract for the main build at the hospital site are expected to be published later this year.
Councillor Aisling Dolan says it's very positive news: