Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
569. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the new services that are available at the surgical hub at Mount Carmel Hospital, Churchtown Dublin 14 which he recently opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2432/24]
View answerFollowing the opening of the surgical hub in the Reeves Centre at Tallaght University Hospital (TUH), there was a significant decrease in the number of patients waiting for elective day case procedures at TUH. As such, Government decided to advance a minimum of six more surgical hubs, including one in Dublin South at Mount Carmel Hospital.
Work has commenced on site at Mount Carmel Hospital with the first phase due for completion in early 2024. Recruitment is progressing and the HSE has advised that there has been sufficient recruitment of theatre nurses to support Phase 1 opening by Q2. Phase 2 is expected to open by Q3.
The key goals of surgical hubs are to reduce waiting times and waiting lists for inpatient and day case care and support progress towards the 12-week Sláintecare access target. The surgical hub model is aligned to the Sláintecare vision and focuses on increasing separation between emergency and elective care to ensure all in scope procedures are delivered within the 12-week Sláintecare access target.
It is also expected that the transfer of day case activity to the surgical hub will create capacity to deliver additional inpatient surgeries in the main theatres within each catchment area, supporting reductions in inpatient waiting lists and waiting times. The Surgical Hubs will also provide outpatient clinics that will help reduce outpatient waiting lists and waiting times. Additional expected benefits include improved health outcomes for patients, improved patient experience and reduced risk of infections.
