Cabinet approval for surgical hub for Galway and site for new elective hospital

Cabinet has today approved a new surgical hub for Galway - and given the green light for a site at Merlin Park to be used for a new elective hospital. 

The surgical hub will focus on high volume surgeries like ear, nose and throat issues, urology, orthopaedics, gynaecology and general surgery. 

A similar hub operating in Tallaght has reported a 90 per cent reduction in patients waiting more than three months for procedures. 

While Merlin Park was already understood to be the location for a new elective hospital, it's now officially been rubber-stamped. 

Galway West TD and Junior Minister Hildegarde Naughton says what's important now, is that we keep the ball rolling.  

While there are no firm details on the now-approved surgical hub in Galway, Minister Naughton says it will also be a very important facility.