Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Harkin for raising the question of Sligo University Hospital. The Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, met with the consultants from the hospital yesterday. I believe it was a constructive meeting. The Government is committed to the development of regional hospitals, such as Sligo University Hospital. There has been a significant increase in the funding allocated to the hospital. I understand that over the last five years there has been an increase in funding of €30 million. I understand it has gone from approximately €130 million to €160 million. In July 2022, staffing levels stood at 1,885 whole-time equivalent staff. This was a 12.3% increase since the end of 2020, and included an increase of 71 nursing midwife whole-time equivalents. The winter plan has specific initiatives for Sligo University Hospital. Three emergency medicine consultants and one registrar have been appointed to assist with pre-admission patients. There are also additional administration staff to support referral pathways between the community and Sligo University Hospital, including three healthcare assistants, and this is just for the winter alone.

Turning to the capital projects referred to by the Deputy, various projects are in train, including additional ICU isolation rooms, a 42-bed ward block, a second CT scanner and MRI replacement and a new accidental and emergency surgical block. The accident and emergency department modular unit has been handed over and internal works in the existing accident and emergency department are complete. On the ICU isolation rooms, construction of a new four-bed unit is now complete, commissioned and handed over. The detailed design for minor capital infection control works for the remainder of the existing ICU is currently being completed. It is expected to proceed to tender in quarter 4. The new ward block extension will provide an additional 42 bed spaces and an additional shell and core area for future development. The submission for the medical bed project has been submitted. Construction must proceed to tender and this approval must be granted, but construction is intended to commence in quarter 1 of 2023. Regarding the second CT scanner and MRI replacement, I agree with the Deputy that this is required. The project has been approved. It is in the capital plan. The design team tender process is being finalised, with the appointment of consultants and the development of design to proceed this quarter.

On the accident and emergency surgical block, this major project will involve construction of a new multistorey extension to the hospital. It will consolidate theatres and provide surgical and maternity wards, a new accident and emergency department, radiology and integrated paediatric departments. A report on this project has been completed and submitted to HSE estates. A strategic assessment review must now be undertaken, as required under the public spending code. A tender to appoint a consultant to carry this out is under way. Again, it is to be completed this quarter.

See this speech in context