Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the enormous disruption that has been caused for some patients and to our health services in Galway as a result of the works that have been carried out at Merlin Park University Hospital. These have been done in the interest of the health and safety of patients and staff. I am informed by the Minister for Health that the HSE is committed to ensuring that full elective orthopaedic capacity at Merlin Park University Hospital is restored. In September 2017 leaks in the roof of the building that houses Merlin Park University Hospital's orthopaedic theatres occurred and that necessitated the closure of both theatres.

I have been informed that a full repair of the membrane of the roof was required to secure the integrity of the building. These works are now complete. Notwithstanding the repair, the theatres date from the 1950s and do not meet current clinical standards. An independent clinical assessment has been undertaken to assess the feasibility of returning these theatres to use. The hospital management has advised the best way to restore effective capacity at Merlin Park University Hospital is through the provision of two modular theatres on the site. This has now gone to tender and the tender for these new modular units is at the final stages. It is expected the contract will be awarded in the coming weeks with works to take place thereafter.

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