New state-of-the-art surgical hub for Sligo
The surgical hub, designed to reduce waiting lists and improve access to planned procedures, will provide much-needed capacity for elective surgeries and diagnostic services across the region.
The news today that a new state-of-the-art surgical hub is to be developed in Sligo has been warmly welcomed by Minister Marian Harkin and Deputy Dr Martin Daly.
Minister Harkin stated the announcement marks "a significant step forward for healthcare delivery in the North West."
Deputy Daly added, "This new development will make a real difference helping people across the North-West get quicker access to the care they need. Every week I meet many constituents who are waiting, often in pain, for surgeries such as hip replacements. This extra capacity means shorter waits and a better quality of life for so many in our communities in the future. Now it will take time for this new unit to be built but today is an important first step in that process."
Ms Harkin stated: “This is a proud day for the North West region. Securing a dedicated surgical hub for Sligo was a core promise I made to the people who elected me, and today’s announcement is the realisation of that commitment. This hub will not only deliver faster access to care for patients, but will also create lasting improvements in regional healthcare infrastructure.”
Minister Harkin continued: “During the Programme for Government negotiations, I made it absolutely clear that addressing healthcare inequalities between the regions was non-negotiable. I am grateful to my colleagues in Government who recognised the urgency and importance of this project. Minister Jennifer Carroll McNeill recognised the need to ensure equitable access to healthcare across the regions and the announcement today of a surgical hub in Sligo and one in Letterkenny is a clear commitment from this Government to delivery of healthcare on a regional basis.”
The new facility will operate in conjunction with existing services at Sligo University Hospital and is expected to focus on high-volume, low-complexity procedures. It will also help to free up capacity in acute hospitals by streamlining elective care.
The hub will serve patients from a wide catchment area including Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal, reducing travel burdens for patients and ensuring timely access to essential surgical procedures.
Minister Harkin concluded: “This development is about equity, access, and delivering quality care closer to home for the people of the North West. I want to thank all those who worked behind the scenes to make today possible, this includes all those at Sligo University Hospital who worked on the project in conjunction with those at CHO 1. It is a milestone that will bring real and lasting change to healthcare in our region.”
