[Image: Spacegroup.ie]

NURSES AND MIDWIVES’ UNION the INMO are planning to develop the former Richmond Hospital in Dublin 7 as an education and events centre, after acquiring the property for €2.9 million in a deal handled by estate agents Allsop Space.

The distinctive red brick structure, built at the turn of the 20th century, adjoins their existing offices at the former Whitworth Hospital on North Brunswick Street. It was modernised as part of a multi-million euro investment in 1996, after the OPW leased the former hospital for use by the courts service.

INMO Deputy General Secretary David Hughes said the union had secured a “real bargain” in the deal, and described the Richmond as one of the “best buildings in Dublin”.

He said it would be used to run educational courses for members, as the union expands its programme of classes in line with the Nurses and Midwives Act of 2011, which stipulates that all nurses must have a portfolio showing they’ve undertaken a certain number of courses in a given five year period.

[Image: Spacegroup.ie]

The building will also be let out to local and other groups to hold meetings and smaller conferences, and Hughes said the additional space would also give the union the ability to bid for European and international nursing conferences.

“Part of the attraction is that it’s almost ready to open straight away following the OPW modernisation — all the wiring is completely computerised, for instance, and the rooms are all very suitable”.

A number of minor works are to be undertaken over the next few months (including the installation of more ladies’ toilets) and it’s planned the centre will open its doors this summer, with courses beginning in September.

Originally part of a complex of three hospitals (the Richmond, the Whitworth and the Hardwick) the building as it stands today was built between 1899 and 1901.

According to the estate agents:

“At the time of construction the hospital was praised for modern features, including warmed filtered air for the theatres, modern ventilation, and the building being raised above the ground by arches.”