Plans for regional surgical hub progressing
The hub would cater for patients who would not require an overnight stay.
Plans for the development of a West and North West Surgical Hub are progressing, a HSE West Regional Health Forum was told.
Sligo County Councillor Edel McSharry asked for an update on the feasibility study being carried out to assess the suitability of setting up the hub at Sligo University Hospital.
In response, Integrated Health Area Manager, John Fitzmaurice said that a business case supporting the implementation of a hub had been submitted to HSE in February 2024.
“Under the current Programme for Government, it is noted the requirement to ‘explore the provision of an additional Surgical Hub for the Northwest’,” his written response said. “HSE West Northwest is currently updating the business case, which is expected to be submitted nationally by early April to assist with this decision making process.” He added that within the business case, a greenfield site has been identified as a potential development location for the hub if this was approved in due course.
Cllr McSharry asked what kinds of surgeries could be carried out at such a proposed hub, adding that it was needed urgently.
Regional Executive Officer, West and North West, HSE, Tony Canavan said that as the business case was over 12 months old, it would have to be updated. This would not take a “significant amount of work”.
He said that the hub would be similar to the ones being developed around the country, including in Galway. The hubs would cater for patients who would not require an overnight stay.
“It is hoped the hubs would provide high volumes of relatively low complexity procedures,” Mr Canavan said, adding that they would provide a regional service.
