Plans for the construction of a new surgical hub in Merlin Park Hospital are progressing, with a contract due to be awarded.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has confirmed today that the tender process for the surgical hub is complete and that a contract is to be awarded.
The hubs are being developed to impact on day-case waiting lists in advance of the delivery of regional elective hospitals.
Minister Donnelly said, “We have now seen a second year in a row with a reduction in waiting lists and I am determined that we will see a further reduction in the number of patients waiting in 2024.”
“The surgical hubs will add to our reduced waiting times for day-case procedures in 2024.”
The HSE received planning permission from Galway City Council for the 4,265m² surgical hub last August.
When completed it will be used to bring additional surgeries to Merlin Park Hospital, diverting them from UHG and relieving pressure on the acute hospital.
One condition of the planning permission states that the HSE must submit details to the council on what restrictions will be used to prevent Merlin Lane being used for rat running.
