Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
68. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if she will examine the potential of a surgical hub being established at Louth County Hospital to support the north-east and the growing population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17646/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to increasing elective-only day-case capacity through the Elective Ambulatory Care Programme. This is being delivered in two phases: a national network of Surgical Hubs in the first instance to meet medium-term demand and capacity, and then a national network of Elective Treatment Centres, also known as Elective Hospitals, in Galway, Cork and Dublin.
These new ‘elective-only’ facilities are for day-case patients, they are not for acute or emergency care. Significant international evidence supports the separation of scheduled (elective) and non-scheduled (emergency) care, leading to improved care for all patients.
Two Surgical Hubs are already operational (the Reeves Centre in Tallaght and Mount Carmel Hub in South Dublin). A further five hubs are expected to open this year in Swords, Galway, Cork, Limerick and Waterford. Plans are also in development for Surgical Hubs in Letterkenny and Sligo. No other locations are under consideration at this time.
No matter where these new facilities are located, everyone in the country should have access to sufficient and appropriate elective surgical capacity. The plans in place to improve elective care across the country will benefit the people of Louth. As a national network, the new Surgical Hubs and Elective Treatment Centres are intended to provide national coverage and enable delivery of care for all patients, ultimately leading to a more efficient and responsive system for all.
