UHG diagnostic centre may be moved to Roscommon

Date Published: 15-Aug-2011

BY FRANK FARRAGHER

A PROPOSAL to transfer the diagnostic centre for the western region from University Hospital Galway to Roscommon could significantly ease waiting times at UHG, it was claimed yesterday.

According to the Impact trade union, broad agreement was reached yesterday between the HSE and the unions on such a move which would also involve the carrying out of ‘routine’ or ‘minor operations’ at Roscommon Hospital normally earmarked for UHG.

It also emerged at yesterday’s three hour meeting between the HSE and union representatives, that trolley waiting times at UHG have now stretched to three days, since the changes to the A&E facilities at Roscommon Hospital.

Padraig Mulligan, Assistant General Secretary of Impact, told the Connacht Sentinel last evening that the transfer of the diagnostic process from the University Hospitals to Roscommon would be a massively positive move for both places.

“The space is there in Roscommon, the theatres are in place, there are excellent staff available – all that’s required is a relatively small capital investment in equipment at Roscommon to make this happen,” said Mr. Mulligan.

He said that it was now accepted by all sides that making Roscommon the diagnostic centre for the West would free-up badly needed space and resources at UHG and would be critical in helping to reduce waiting times at the hospital.

“I am glad to say that there is now a consensus on the wisdom of such a move which would involve the transfer of a number of surgeons and consultants to Roscommon but no other staff,” said Mr. Mulligan.

He also told the Sentinel that a brief outline of the difficult financial situation faced by the Galway hospitals was provided at yesterday’s meeting, with hospital managers being asked to come up with a plan to ensure a break-even situation by the end of the year.“

A comprehensive outline of the difficult budgetary situation faced by the HSE in relation to hospitals in the western region would be provided at a meeting with the unions on Tuesday, August 30 next.

The Sentinel has learned that it is also planned to make greater use of Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe to accommodate patients awaiting what are regarded as ‘less serious’ surgical procedures.

Read more in today’s Connacht Sentinel