Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, Deputy John Paul O’Shea, has welcomed the official opening of the new HSE South West Surgical Hub at Cork University Hospital (CUH), which he attended today.
The almost €90 million purpose-built facility was officially opened by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD and Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD.
Deputy O’Shea said the new facility represents a major investment in elective healthcare capacity in the South West and will help patients access planned procedures and outpatient care in a modern, dedicated environment.
“I was delighted to attend the official opening of the new HSE South West Surgical Hub at Cork University Hospital today.
“This is a significant investment of almost €90 million in healthcare infrastructure for the South West and, most importantly, it is an investment in patients.
“The new Hub will provide dedicated capacity for elective surgery, outpatient consultations and minor procedures, with four operating theatres and facilities designed around delivering efficient, high-quality care.
“For patients waiting for treatment, increased capacity is absolutely critical. By providing dedicated space for planned procedures, this facility can help reduce pressure on existing hospital services and allow more patients to receive their treatment in a timely manner.
Deputy O’Shea with Senator Noel O’Donovan and Deputy Seamus McGrath at the opening.
“The fact that the Hub will facilitate same-day procedures, where clinically appropriate, is also a very positive development for patients and families, allowing people to receive treatment and return home without the need for an overnight stay.
“The benefits of this investment will be felt right across Cork, Kerry and the wider South West, and I look forward to seeing the Hub fully operational and making a real difference to patients.”
Deputy O’Shea also welcomed the comments from Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill at the opening.
Minister Carroll MacNeill said “This impressive new facility is part of the HSE’s national Surgical Hub Programme and will provide additional capacity for thousands of day case surgeries, minor procedures and outpatient consultations. Surgical Hubs are an important component of our efforts to improve access to care; reduce waiting times and ensure patients receive treatment in a timely and efficient manner.
“The HSE South West Surgical Hub will help meet growing demand for elective services while delivering a high-quality experience for patients in a purpose-built environment.”
Deputy O’Shea added “I want to commend everyone involved in bringing this project from planning and development to today’s official opening. Projects of this scale require significant work and collaboration, and the result is a first-class facility for the region.
“The priority now must be to ensure that the capacity this Hub provides is used to its full potential and that patients who have been waiting for care can see the benefits as quickly as possible.
