The Saolta group which manages multiple hospitals in the west has delayed plans for a new Emergency Department at UHG without informing the Health Minister its been claimed.
The Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway is one of the most chronically overcrowded in Ireland.
The Saolta group was due to lodge a planning application for a new Emergency Department before Christmas, but has put it off while an options appraisal is being carried out.
The appraisal is due at the end of February and will look at potential future uses of the UHG and Merlin Park sites.
According to the Irish Independent Simon Harris has been “kept in the dark” about the delay.
Galway West TD Seán Kyne said that he spoke with Minister Harris last week, and that he had also thought the planning application was going ahead.
The Minister intended to speak with the secretary general of the department of health to get more information about Saolta’s decision, Deputy Kyne added.
The decision ultimately lies with Saolta on how to proceed with this process.
The badly needed Emergency Department at UHG will include a maternity unit with two delivery suites, theatres, beds, and a pediatric unit.
