Concerns expressed regarding delays to orthopaedic surgeries following theatre works at Sligo University Hospital

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Concerns have been expressed at the Regional Health Forum West North West regarding delays to orthopaedic services and the slow progress of a new theatre.

At the recent Health Forum Meeting Cllr Edel McSharry raised the issue of delays to orthopaedic surgeries as a result of theatre works that were carried out in November of last year and February of this year.

Cllr McSharry asked for updates in relation to the number of cancellations of orthopaedic surgery from November 2025 to March 2026 since the new roof was replaced on the orthopaedic theatre.

She also queried how many weeks were the eight elective orthopaedic beds closed to orthopaedic elective surgery from September 2025 to March 2026 and sought clarity regarding the application stage for the new orthopaedic theatre and unit.

In reply the meeting received clarification from John Fitzmaurice, Integrated Health Area Manager, Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal, West Cavan who confirmed over a 16-week period from September 2025 to March 2026, elective joint surgeries were deferred.

During this time, eight elective orthopaedic beds were unavailable for four weeks due to winter surge pressures.

While patients impacted by cancellations were offered alternative dates or treatment in other hospitals, the total number of cancellations has yet to be provided.

Progress has been made on the proposed new orthopaedic theatre, with the options appraisal now complete and a Strategic Healthcare Investment Framework (SHIF) application expected shortly. Plans include two replacement theatres and additional bed capacity.

Noting the reply, Cllr McSharry said: “Patients have experienced significant disruption to orthopaedic services over recent months, and while it is positive that surgeries have resumed, we still do not have full transparency on the number of cancellations. That information is essential.”

She added: “I am concerned at the pace of progress on the new orthopaedic unit. We now need to see the application submitted without delay so this project can move forward.”

Cllr McSharry also highlighted the risk to specialist services: “We currently have six highly specialised surgeons delivering procedures locally. Without proper facilities, there is a real risk we could lose this expertise to larger hospitals.”

She confirmed she will continue to push for the ring-fencing of eight elective orthopaedic beds, even during surge periods, to protect patient care.

“I will be keeping this firmly on the agenda until we see real progress both in terms of infrastructure and protecting elective capacity for patients.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.