Two new replacement orthopaedic operating theatres at Merlin Park Hospital have opened for use today, after almost five years of issues.
The two new theatres, which cost €10.57 million to design and build, are to replace the theatre which first closed in September 2017 due to a leaking roof.
The two new replacement theatres are required to restore full elective orthopaedic procedures in Merlin Park University Hospital and address orthopaedic waiting lists.
Construction of the 620m2 theatre building began in March 2021 following a public procurement tendering for a main contractor.
The build consists of two operating theatres, two anaesthesia rooms, a recovery area and other ancillary accommodation to support the theatre suites.
The theatre building is connected to the main hospital block by a link corridor which is the access point for patients and staff.
Mr Aiden Devitt, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon said that the new operating theatres are a “major enhancement” for Merlin Park Hospital, and orthopaedic services across the west of Ireland.
“We now have a state of the art theatre suite which will double our capacity for surgical procedures and will reduce waiting times for patients.”
“Our orthopaedic patients will be treated in a modern, spacious and technologically advanced facility and I am delighted to be commencing procedures in the new theatres this week.”
The hospital has been providing 10 theatre sessions per week; which will increase to 20 sessions per week when two fully functional theatres are in place.
This will enable some 4,000 elective surgeries to be carried out each year, as the demand for orthopaedic services continues to increase each year.
Ms Chris Kane, Hospital Manager said, “This is a significant investment in healthcare infrastructure for the people living along the western seaboard who come to Galway for their surgery.”
“The theatres have been built and equipped to a very high specification to enable us to deliver the best possible care to our patients”.
