New Merlin outpatient units ‘will relieve pressure’ at University Hospital Galway

The HSE has secured permission for the construction of new outpatient facilities on the grounds of Merlin Park – in an effort to “decongest” UHG, particularly around the Emergency Department.

The health authority has been given the go ahead to build an Outpatient Department (OPD) and an adult Cystic Fibrosis outpatient department, with parking for 88 cars near the main hospital block.

According to the HSE, the Covid pandemic has shown the importance of separating acute and elective care on the UHG campus.

“The primary objective is to provide outpatient facilities in line with the best international practice for Merlin Park. The building is designed to improve patient access, flow, achieve segregation of patients and to address the immediate safety risk and concerns about isolation associated with the current outpatient facilities within UHG.

“The pandemic has emphasised the importance of segregation of elective and acute care within UHG. The new OPD is intended to decongest the UHG site, particularly in and around the existing Emergency Department location. This will allow OPD patients to receive the necessary care away from the acute hospital environment at UHG,” the planning application reads.

The HSE added that there is also an urgent requirement for a new adult Cystic Fibrosis outpatient department in Galway – which will be adjacent to the Pulmonary Department in Unit at at Merlin.

Residents of Merlin Park Lane – the narrow road at the rear of the hospital campus which leads to Doughiska – said in a submission to the Council that while they welcome the delivery of much-needed facilities for the community, they had genuine concerns in relation to traffic.

They noted that no overall plan for the campus has been presented and that current construction projects have increased levels of traffic and rat running.

Residents added that traffic management plans associated with the projects are not being adhered to or enforced.

They have also asked that the rear access at Merlin Park Lane be restricted to on-site campus staff.