ABM, the global provider of facility, engineering and infrastructure solutions, has secured a new €10 million contract with Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) to deliver cleaning services across eight key healthcare and administrative sites in Galway.
The extensive agreement covers University Hospital Galway, Merlin Park University Hospital (MPUH), the Adult Acute Mental Health Unit (AAMHU), and five HSE administrative buildings in Galway City. It also includes recently opened facilities such as MPUH’s outpatients’ department and the cystic fibrosis unit.
ABM’s responsibilities extend to critical care environments including operating theatres and intensive care units, ensuring high standards of hygiene and infection control across all sites. In support of the Department of Health’s Waiting List Initiative, the company will also provide cleaning operatives for out-of-hours clinics, helping to reduce treatment delays.
As part of the contract, ABM is investing around €1 million into equipment, staff uniforms, administration systems, and comprehensive training programmes. New smart scanning technology is being introduced to track and manage equipment usage, enhancing infection control and streamlining operations. The company is also implementing its structured Step Up Programme to support career development for cleaning operatives.
Under the new agreement, up to 350 staff are transitioning from the previous provider to ABM. The mobilisation of the contract was completed seamlessly, with no downtime or disruption to healthcare services. An experienced ABM team was deployed on-site in Galway one month prior to the handover to ensure a smooth transition.
Geoff Ginnetty, Services Manager at Galway University Hospitals, said: “We have found ABM to have an extremely professional approach to providing cleaning services at the two public acute hospitals in Galway city. ABM has so far demonstrated a responsiveness to the requirements of our hospitals, in a busy and challenging healthcare environment. We look forward to building on this promising start, to develop a strong working relationship between Galway University Hospitals and ABM.”
David Ferguson, Operations Director for All Ireland at ABM, commented: “Building on the success we have in the Irish healthcare sector by providing more facilities management services is part of our growth strategy and was a key differentiator in our successful bid. We are looking forward to working together with our new team of over 350 people to deliver exceptional services and ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and safety throughout this critical setting.”
This contract marks a significant milestone for ABM as it expands its footprint in the Irish healthcare sector and strengthens its position as a trusted provider of essential services in high-pressure environments.
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