Sligo-Leitrim Minister welcomes ‘milestone’ surgical hub for North West

Two new surgical hubs have been confirmed for the North West, with one set to be constructed near Sligo University Hospital and another proposed for Letterkenny University Hospital in Co Donegal, which will also see expanded oncology services.

The HSE had previously identified Sligo as the preferred location for a surgical hub. However, that decision was met with criticism from Donegal-based clinicians, residents, and TDs who raised concerns about regional balance.

The state-of-the-art surgical hub that is to be developed in Sligo marks a significant step forward for healthcare delivery in the North West, according to Sligo-Leitrim TD Marian Harkin.

The surgical hub, designed to reduce waiting lists and improve access to planned procedures, will provide much-needed capacity for elective surgeries and diagnostic services across the region.

READ NEXT: Leitrim TD backs call for surgical hubs to be located in Sligo and Donegal

“This is a proud day for the North West region. Securing a dedicated surgical hub for Sligo was a core promise I made to the people who elected me, and today’s announcement is the realisation of that commitment,” said Minister Harkin. 

“This hub will not only deliver faster access to care for patients, but will also create lasting improvements in regional healthcare infrastructure.

“Minister Jennifer Carroll McNeill recognised the need to ensure equitable access to healthcare across the regions and the announcement today of a surgical hub in Sligo and one in Letterkenny is a clear commitment from this Government to delivery of healthcare on a regional basis,” Minister Harkin added.

The new facility will operate in conjunction with existing services at Sligo University Hospital and is expected to focus on high-volume, low-complexity procedures. It will also help to free up capacity in acute hospitals by streamlining elective care.

The hub will serve patients from a wide catchment area including Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal, reducing travel burdens for patients and ensuring timely access to essential surgical procedures.

READ NEXT: 'We need to seek the construction of homes not housing' - Minister Marian Harkin speaks out on funding

Minister Harkin described the development as being about equity, access, and delivering quality care closer to home for the people of the North West. 

“I want to thank all those who worked behind the scenes to make today possible, this includes all those at Sligo University Hospital who worked on the project in conjunction with those at CHO 1. It is a milestone that will bring real and lasting change to healthcare in our region,” she added.