A new state of the art €4.7 million ward dedicated to Cardiothoracic Surgery has opened at University Hospital Galway.
The ward includes three isolation rooms, 3 two-bed wards, and a four-bed ward depending on the needs of the patients.
The area also includes a pre-discharge lounge/waiting area for patients before admission. There is also a treatment room/pre-assessment room for patients prior to surgery.
The ward cost €4.71 million to design, build, and equip, and is fitted with in-room monitoring and telemetry, which allows patients to be monitored by staff 24/7, while still allowing them privacy while resting.
Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon for the Saolta University Health Care Group Mr Alan Soo welcomed the opening of the new ward.
“This state-of-the-art ward is built to the highest standard and regulations which I’m extremely proud of.”
“It will allow us to provide patient care in a safe and clean environment at the same time giving adequate privacy to the patients to recover in their own time. Here, I would like to acknowledge all personnel involve in making this ward project a reality,” he added.
The Cardiothoracic Unit in UHG is the sole tertiary referral centre for both cardiac and thoracic surgery in the West of Ireland.
The thoracic service is one of four designated NCCP lung cancer surgery centres in Ireland.
The department delivers both elective and emergency services to all hospitals within the Saolta Hospital Health Care Group. It is also a designated training centre for junior surgeons, nurses and allied health professionals.
The ward was opened on May 31 on a phased basis, with the first 10 patients transferred to the new ward. The further three beds will be opened in Q3, 2022.
Ms Chris Kane, Hospital Manager said, “This new Cardiothoracic ward is a welcome addition to our hospital and will ensure patients from across the region have the best possible care with state-of-the-art facilities. “
