The chapel at University Hospital will be restored to its original size next year after its reduction to accommodate safe waiting areas is no longer needed, the Regional Health Forum was told this week.
The matter had been raised by Galway Green Party councillor Martina O'Connor who told the forum that there has been concern raised that space currently allocated to the chapel at UHG had recently been reduced and that there may be plans to reduce it further.
She spoke of the great benefit for mental health for patients and staff that results from the presence of such a facility.
"Regardless of one's faith denomination, this is the only quiet space on the whole hospital campus. Its uses are many and varied; a quiet place for patients to think or decompress in an exceptionally stressful environment. A site to bring an elderly confused person where they can recognise the familiar environment of their faith where they can begin to re orientate. A shared place to reflect and meet when staff members die. A space to sit quietly in prayer (or not ) for distressed and worried family members," she said.
Cllr O'Connor went on to ask about the status of the chapel and the service it provide; if are there plans to change or reduce this space or service; andiIf any changes are proposed, what consultation and needs assessment has been carried out to ascertain staff, family and patients needs for this vital space and service which supports mental health at a rights based level?
In response, Tony Canavan, CEO Saolta University Health Care Group said that the he chapel/oratory at UHG relocated for three weeks to allow essential works for the Cardiothoracic Ward Project on the first floor. He said that there was consultation with staff, family and patient groups during this process
"A smaller chapel/oratory area was made available during this time. This occurred from October 18 to 7th November 7.
"The present chapel/oratory is reduced in size to accommodate a temporary waiting area for the Acute Medical Unit, which is currently experiencing health and safety issues with chairs on corridors.
"It is planned that the chapel/oratory will be returned to its original size in Q2 2022, when an alternative waiting area is completed for the Acute Medical Unit," he concluded.
