Temporary operating theatre caught up in red tape

The number of patients on the orthopaedic waiting list at Merlin Park has now reached almost 7,000 as the bureaucratic wrangling continues over building a temporary operating theatre.

Over a year after a leak closed the permanent one in Merlin Park, planning has still not been sorted for a ‘modular’ operating theatre – ironically chosen due to its speedy construction.

Chief Operating Officer of Saolta, Ann Cosgrove, told a Regional Health Forum West meeting that contracts had still not been signed by the company which won the tender, describing the process as “challenging”.

A sub-contractor had been engaged to carry out ground works, but negotiations have stalled, according to Cllr Padraig Conneely.

“It seems to be an issue over who has responsibility for the work – the sub-contractor or the modular building company,” he said.