I tabled a similar parliamentary question a couple of weeks ago regarding Sligo-Leitrim. One thing I noticed was that, in both counties, the number of hours that were sanctioned but unmet in Leitrim had doubled in the 12 months between 2023 and 2024 and in Sligo had trebled, particularly for older people. One thing I discovered is that what normally happens is the district nurse or some professional recommends a specific number of hours for Lily, Mary, John or whoever as the hours they need but they are never given those hours. The hours sanctioned are less than that, probably one third less. In fact, the need is greater than what is sanctioned. That is the first point. The second point is that people who work in the service tell me the HSE puts out recruitment programmes that are advertised, brings people in and interviews them, but that it is three, six or 12 months later before they get a call back from the HSE offering them a job. They are not going to be sitting at home for six months. They are finding that the HSE, in many people's view, is not serious about recruiting people in a timely manner in order that they can take up the positions.
Sentiment score: 0.07
121. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of the issues of water leaking in the orthopaedic surgical theatre in Sligo University Hospital, causing surgeries to be cancelled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23221/25]
Sentiment score: -0.08
Sligo University Hospital has the worst-resourced orthopaedic Department with the worst orthopaedic infrastructure in the country. This is an unfortunate reality. It is a consistent struggle for surgeons to get work done there. The current issue is that the theatre roof leaked last week during intense rain showers. Water enters what is supposed to be a sterile area and compromises sterility. This increases the chances of surgical patients getting infections, which is a major patient safety issue. I know the Minister is aware of this issue. It is not just about getting the roof fixed; it is about getting a new surgical block. That is what is needed in that regard to resolve this problem long term.
Sentiment score: -0.19
I appreciate the Minister's update. It is positive that the management is meeting with the surgeons to try to deal with this situation. I spoke to some of the surgeons, who are extremely frustrated. They want to do their job but they cannot do it effectively in the facilities they have. There are only eight elective orthopaedic beds in the ward, which must be shared between the patients of six consultants. The situation is not fit for purpose in the long term. We need to look at how to deal with this. The surgeons pointed out a number of issues to me, including that the ward is too small, the whole theatre complex is too small and there is no storage space for equipment, with boxes and plant kept elsewhere and surgical implements in danger of contamination because they must be moved into and out of the ward. There is a whole range of issues. New doors were put in that were too heavy for the walls, which are very old and are not fit for purpose. We really need to see a plan for how we will replace the surgical theatre for the future. That plan needs to be brought forward with urgency.
Sentiment score: -0.08
That is positive news but we need to put a deadline on this to ensure it happens. While the new complex may be at design stage, it is a long way from being built. As Deputy Connolly mentioned in regard to Galway, people talk about these things for years and years but nothing happens. That is the reality. We do not want that situation to occur in this case. There are other facilities can be utilised more. For instance, Our Lady's Hospital in Manorhamilton could be utilised for some of the orthopaedic treatment day services, including for people who come in for injections or small day surgeries. Places like that can be used. Manorhamilton is only up the road and could deal with some of the overcrowding and other issues at Sligo University Hospital. Mr. Gaine has spoken to me about that and I hope he has also spoken to the Minister about it. A number of the other surgeons have innovative ideas as to how we can deal with this situation and try to progress to a position whereby we have a proper service in place for people such that they would not be in danger like they are at the moment. The risk of infection is a real danger on the ward in question. We must all acknowledge that. I welcome any change or movement on this issue. We simply cannot continue just talking about it. The new surgical block has been talked about for 30 years. We need to make it happen.
Sentiment score: 0.10