Progress of new surgical hub to reduce waiting lists in Mayo
Saolta University Health Care Group and Galway University Hospitals have announced the advancement of a cutting-edge surgical hub project in Galway.
This facility, strategically located on the grounds of Merlin Park University Hospital, is poised to bring about significant improvements in healthcare services throughout the west.
The primary goal of this surgical hub is to augment the region's surgical capacity, with a particular focus on day case procedures. By doing so, the hub intends to alleviate waiting times and provide better access to elective day case surgery within a specialised facility.
The state-of-the-art surgical hub, spanning three stories, will house a total of four operating theatres. Initially, two of these theatres will be commissioned, with the potential for further expansion.
Each operating theatre will be fully equipped with essential rooms such as scrub rooms, prep rooms, anaesthetic rooms, and dirty utility rooms. Additionally, the facility will feature two minor procedure rooms, pre-assessment areas, pre-op preparation spaces, welcoming reception and waiting areas, dedicated recovery spaces, and a discharge lounge.
One of the standout features of this surgical hub is its wide-ranging scope. It is designed to cater to various medical specialties, including dermatology, ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), ophthalmology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, plastics, urology, vascular surgery, and gynaecology.
Operational governance for the surgical hub will fall under the jurisdiction of the University Hospital Galway's surgical/perioperative directorate, serving as the local Model 4 Hospital.
Construction of this remarkable healthcare facility is scheduled to commence later this year, with a target operational date in early 2025. The tender process for construction is already underway.
The Galway City Council has also demonstrated its support for the project by granting planning permission and approving a new bus stop adjacent to the development site. Moreover, 108 additional parking spaces have been sanctioned to enhance the overall patient experience.
The surgical hub is part of a more extensive plan to address healthcare infrastructure needs in the region. This comprehensive strategy includes projects such as a new Emergency Department with a dedicated Women's & Children's Block, the replacement of laboratory facilities, the establishment of a Cancer Centre accompanied by a 200-bed ward block, and the development of an elective hospital on the Merlin Park site.
Chris Kane, Hospital Manager at Galway University Hospitals, expressed great enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its pivotal role in providing improved and more timely care to patients in the region.