The relocation of certain Outpatient Department (OPD ) services from University Hospital Galway (UHG ) to a new modern facility at Merlin Park will commence next week, with some patients having their appointments at Merlin from Monday.
Some patients will from February 10 have their outpatient clinic appointment in Merlin Park instead of UHG and this will be clearly stated on their appointment letter or the text message they receive.
The ongoing work at Galway University Hospitals to improve access to hospital outpatient services for the region will pass a significant milestone with the opening of the new OPD next week.
Situated at the Merlin Park campus on the Old Dublin Road, with a floor space of 2,300m2, the new modern structure will allow for future extension and expansion of services for the overall improvement of the patient experience and enhanced facilities for patients and staff.
Some clinics will continue to remain at University Hospital Galway such as Urology, ENT, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Diabetes, Breast clinics, Paediatric, Maternity and some rapid access clinics.
Chris Kane, Hospital Manager welcoming the move said this move has become necessary due to the expansion of services to better meet the patients’ needs and also to support the long term plans for capital developments for the UHG site.
“The relocation will enable us to better serve our patients and their families, enhance their experience of care and improve our operational efficiency.
“The new facility is bright, airy and modern, developed specifically with patients’ needs in mind. Other facilities include, two waiting areas, two reception areas, lifts, staff support areas and ancillary accommodation,” she added.
“This is a significant change but it is part of the longer term plans to ensure that the UHG site is mainly focused on acute and complex care needs and that Merlin Park will cater for a significant proportion of scheduled and planned work such as outpatients, low complex elective care with future developments planned there such as the surgical hub, an elective hospital and a phase 2 outpatients block,” concluded Chris Kane.
Preparing for opening day next Monday, Siobhan Foley, Clinical Nurse Manager 2, said the team in Merlin OPD are very much looking forward to welcoming patients to this modern, patient-centred facility, which will allow for expansion and developments of services, and provide an enhanced experience for patients who attend here.
“We remain committed to delivering exceptional patient care at our new location,” she concluded.
