Operations cancelled again at Sligo University Hospital due to leaking theatre roof

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

The cancellation of five elective orthopaedic procedures at Sligo University Hospital this week; including four hip replacements and one knee replacement, has once again highlighted this chronic infrastructural failure which is undermining patient care across the North West according to Fianna Fáil Councillor Edel McSharry.

Cllr McSharry has highlighted the situation noting that today’s (Monday) elective orthopaedic list has been cancelled due to yet another leak in the orthopaedic theatre complex, this time linked to radiator supply pipework.

Cllr McSharry explained this incident occurred just two weeks after elective orthopaedic surgery had resumed, following a complete suspension since early December caused by bed pressures. During that suspension, the hospital’s eight designated elective orthopaedic beds were reassigned, further destabilising an already fragile service.

“The orthopaedic theatre complex has long been acknowledged as unfit for purpose. These deficiencies were highlighted publicly in May of last year, and while roof replacement and repair works were carried out at the time, almost twelve months later the infrastructure continues to fail patients and frontline staff alike.”

Outlining the current situation at Sligo University Hospital, Cllr McSharry stated, “Plans for a new orthopaedic build remain at a very preliminary stage, with little visible progress. In the meantime, patients across the North West continue to experience repeated cancellations, excessive waiting times, deteriorating mobility, avoidable pain, and a growing loss of confidence in the system.”

Stressing the need for urgent action to be taken, Cllr McSharry insisted, “The reality is stark: the people of the North West are now the worst-affected orthopaedic patient cohort in the country.

"There must be full transparency regarding the current state of orthopaedic services in the region, alongside an immediate and credible commitment to: Urgent capital investment in orthopaedic theatre infrastructure; Protection and ring-fencing of elective orthopaedic beds; Clear and published timelines for the delivery of a new, fit-for-purpose orthopaedic facility and appropriate resourcing to ensure safe, sustainable and uninterrupted service provision.”

Cllr McSharry called on local representatives to take action insisting, “Patients and their families deserve certainty. Staff deserve facilities that allow them to deliver safe care without constant disruption.

"The North West cannot continue to be treated as an afterthought. I am calling on our local TDs and Ministers to urgently advance this issue with the Minister for Health. It is time for meaningful action and equitable investment for our region.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.