Minister for Health aware of need for replacement Orthopaedic Theatres at Sligo University Hospital

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has provided an update in relation to the leak at Sligo University Hospital that resulted in surgeries being postponed on Monday, September 14

She said the issue was resolved that day and patients whose surgeries were postponed will be offered an alternative date as soon as possible.

Minister MacNeill was contacted by Cllr Thomas Walsh in relation to the matter and confirmed work is progressing regarding long-term improvements to the orthopaedic theatre with the appraisal options now completed.

Addressing the need for the existing orthopaedic theatres to be replaced, Minister MacNeill said, “To progress longer term improvements, the hospital has completed the options appraisal for the proposed replacement of the Orthopaedic Theatres and a submission is due to be made to HSE for formal capital approval. The proposed development provides for two replacement Orthopaedic Theatres, theatre storage facilities and some additional beds.”

In relation to the leak that occurred last week, Minister MacNeill stated, “Officials in my Department have been in contact with the HSE West and North West, and they have provided an update that a small water leak occurred on Monday, September 14 from an air handling unit serving the Orthopaedic Theatre in Sligo University Hospital. The issue was addressed the same morning, with no damage to the theatre, and some minor maintenance works being completed the same day.

“The HSE has advised that the roof of the theatre is not affected and there has been no roof leak. The theatre was temporarily closed to allow for cleaning and air sampling. Any patients whose surgery was postponed will be offered new dates as soon as possible.”

Welcoming the update provided by Minister MacNeill, Cllr Walsh said now is the time for the HSE to provide funding for the required improvement works.

“The Minister for Health has advised me that a submission is due to be made to the HSE for formal capital approval. The proposed development provides for two replacement Orthopaedic Theatres, theatre storage facilities and some additional beds.”

Referring to the issues that have plagued the hospital in recent times, Cllr Walsh said “There has been ongoing leaks which have forced immediate theatre closures leading to dozens of hip, knee, and other elective surgeries having to be cancelled and rescheduled over the past 24 months. This is not an acceptable standard of healthcare in 2026.”

Cllr Walsh concluded by calling on the HSE to deliver the much-needed funding is delivered in order to ensure the necessary improvement works can be carried out at Sligo University Hospital.

“It is vital that the HSE provide capital funding urgently in order to deliver this much needed functional theatre suite at Sligo University Hospital. The staff are very anxious that this project moves forward at pace, as are the whole community,” he said.

Deputy Eamon Scanlon has also called on the Minister for Health to approve funding for Sligo University Hospital to replace its orthopaedic theatres, saying the existing ones are “no longer fit for purpose”.

Sligo University Hospital will shortly submit its options appraisal for formal capital approval for the replacements of its orthopaedic theatres. This project will provide two new replacement orthopaedic theatres, essential storage facilities and additional beds.

Speaking in the Dáil, the Fianna Fáil TD for Sligo-Leitrim said that surgeries have been cancelled due to the state of the theatres.

“Over the past 18 months, numerous operations have been cancelled due to leaks from roofs, radiators, and humidifiers, resulting in breaches of theatre sterility. Six orthopaedic surgeons have been unable to perform scheduled procedures while patients face unacceptable delays and prolonged suffering.

“I urge the Minister for Health and the Department to move swiftly in approving this critical development,” he said.

Article is Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.