Non-emergency operations to switch to Merlin Park

ANEW€25 million acute day services unit is to be built on the grounds of Merlin Park University Hospital, allowing the majority of day and elective surgeries in the city to take place at the hospital.Funding has already been granted for the multi-million euro facility, which will be located along the existing hospital building. It will include pre-assessment clinics, two dedicated day service theatre suites, two new orthopaedic suites, endoscopy suites and recovery rooms. According to the HSE West, Merlin Park University Hospital is to be developed largely as an elective, ambulatory care centre. “This means that, over time, the majority of day and elective surgery that involves a one, three or five day hospital care will take place in Merlin Park University Hospital, unless it is considered of a complex nature that it is more appropriate to treat the patient in University Hospital Galway,” said Bridget Howley, General Manager of Galway University Hospitals.“This unit will...........................