This contribution covers 80% of the total €542m bill, the remainder of which will be picked up by the CNSm Luxembourg’s main national health insurance fund.

According to the “Südspidol” finance draft bill, which was discussed in parliament on Tuesday, an additional 10%, equivalent to €10m, will be included to cover any additional costs.

The hospital, which will unite those in Esch-sur-Alzette, Niederkorn and Dudelange, will be built near the Raemerich roundabout at the entrance to Esch-sur-Alzette.

Savings of consolidation

According to a health ministry statement, the consolidation will create synergies that should save up to 15% in running costs.

Construction should begin in 2019 on the building which has been designed to emit low levels of CO2, to consume less energy and will be built from sustainable materials.

Three buildings will be located at the site: one for traditional hospital services such as accident and emergency, radiology and operating rooms. The second will host the François Baclesse centre, a specialist oncology and administration unit, and the third will be used in the departments of rehabilitation, geriatrics and psychiatry.

583 beds

The campus will have up to 583 beds, 81% of which will be in individual private rooms. Health minister Lydia Mutsch justified the high proportion of single rooms saying that there was a growing trend in the hospital world in favour of care of the patient. Single rooms should not be confused with “first class” rooms and the hospital, meanwhile, will not charge extra for single rooms.

The proposal was largely welcomed by most MPs however individuals raised concerns over sanitation costs, the proximity to the motorway and possible noise pollution and the fate of the three old hospital buildings. These will be addressed when the bill is tabled in parliament.