Minister for Health backs opening of two new surgical hubs in north west
The plans will see the construction of a new surgical hub close to Sligo University Hospital, while at Letterkenny University Hospital in Co Donegal, a new surgical hub is proposed along with expanded oncology services.
It comes after regional HSE management had previously identified a site in Sligo as the sole preferred option for a new surgical hub in the north west region.
That decision was strongly criticised by Donegal-based clinicians, who subsequently met with Minister Carroll MacNeill and raised their concerns with her in relation to "population need and geographical logic".
Minister Carroll MacNeill has now given her support to the opening of two new surgical hubs, following a proposal from CEO of the Health Service Executive (HSE) Bernard Gloster.
Such surgical hubs allow for the delivery of day-case surgeries and minor procedures.
The plan, which has been given the green light today, will see the construction of a new stand-alone two-theatre surgical hub in Sligo.
The Department of Health has said the facility will significantly expand elective surgical capacity in the region, and it will help reduce waiting times and improve access to scheduled surgical care.
Meanwhile, a new two-theatre surgical hub will be built beside the existing Letterkenny University Hospital building, along with the addition of 30 ambulatory day oncology chairs - 15 new and 15 replacement.
The Department of Health has said this dual investment will enhance both surgical and cancer treatment services in Co Donegal.
The design of the new surgical hub in Letterkenny will also allow for future vertical expansion, addressing the long-term need for additional bed capacity in the region.
The HSE will now begin drawing up planning applications for both sites, which will be prepared in parallel and include engagement with Donegal and Sligo county councils.
In a statement issued this morning, the Minister for Health said increasing surgical activity in the west and north west of the country is a "clear priority" for the Government.
Minister Carroll MacNeill said: "Today marks an important milestone in delivering on that commitment, and I am happy to support this proposal from the HSE.
"I know Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer, HSE West North West, and his team will now begin progressing these proposals, working closely with hospital management, clinical specialities, and the estates team to advance the design phase, secure planning permission, and prepare for tendering the construction works.
"These investments align with our Ambulatory Elective Day Care Strategy and the National Cancer Control Programme. They will ensure that patients in the North-West have timely access to high-quality surgical and oncology care.
"I look forward to returning to see the progress of these developments, which will make a real and lasting difference to people's lives in the region," the minister added.
The HSE classes a surgical hub as a facility which deals with "high volume, low complexity" elective procedures, treatments and diagnostics.
Such elective procedures include biopsies, endoscopies, steroid injections, carpal tunnel treatment, tonsillectomies, cataract treatments, varicose veins treatments, hernia repairs and other keyhole surgeries.
Once operational, each surgical hub is expected to deliver over 28,000 day-to-day cases, minor operations and outpatient consultations every year.
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