Positive news for patients suffering with orthopaedic problems in the west

Two new replacement orthopaedic operating theatres on the Merlin Park site, which cost €10.57m to design, build and equip, will be used for the first time today.

Prior to the opening of the new theatres, there was only one orthopaedic theatre on the Merlin Park site. This was the only facility available in Galway University Hospitals (GUH) to provide elective orthopaedic procedures. The two new replacement theatres are required to restore full elective orthopaedic procedures in Merlin Park University Hospital and address orthopaedic waiting lists.

The hospital has been providing 10 theatre sessions per week; this will increase to 20 sessions per week when two fully functional theatres are in place which will enable approximately 4,000 procedures per annum to be carried out. Demand for orthopaedic services is increasing year on year as is the complexity and sub specialisation within orthopaedic surgery.

GUH is currently recruiting staff to increase the number of theatre sessions to 20 per week and will also be seeking funding to staff the old theatre in 2023 to assist in providing further capacity.