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Sligo University Hospital

Sligo University Hospital provides high-quality healthcare to the people of Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal and West Cavan.

SUH provides Acute Inpatient, Outpatient, and Day Services as well as Regional Specialty Services in Ophthalmology and Ear, Nose and Throat Services.

SUH has a Medical Academy with NUI Galway which includes clinical rotations/ education for medical students from NUI Galway on Sligo University Hospital Campus.

Sligo University Hospital is committed in line with national HSE policy to a sustainable healthcare system, which delivers high quality care and improved public health without exhausting natural resources or causing severe ecological damage. Read more about our Green Charter here

Main Phone Number: +353 (0)71 917 1111

Click here for information on our antenatal classes and breastfeeding classes 

Sligo University Hospital is dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak impacting two wards

Sligo University Hospital is dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak which is affecting two wards, Medical Ward 7 and Medical Ward North. Visiting restrictions are in place in these wards.

Coming into a busy bank holiday weekend we are urging the public not to visit the hospital if you are feeling unwell. If you have symptoms like a sore throat, cough, temperature or shortness of breath please do not visit the hospital to help keep vulnerable patients safe.

Sligo University Hospital Garden Club partners with Sligo Leader and the Organic Centre

Sligo University Hospital (SUH) has partnered with Sligo Leader and the Organic Centre to introduce a year-long Garden Project involving some minor gardening work throughout the hospital. This project is part of the hospital’s Green Campus Programme and will focus on increasing biodiversity on the site as well as enhancing outdoor spaces at the hospital.

Sligo University Hospital is extremely busy today with long wait times at the Emergency Department

The Emergency Department in Sligo University Hospital (SUH) has been extremely busy over the past few days and the hospital is advising that patients who attend ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times. 143 people attended the ED yesterday, Thursday 08 June, resulting in 32 patients admissions.  

As always, people who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised.

Sligo University Hospital is extremely busy today with long wait times at the Emergency Department

The Emergency Department in Sligo University Hospital (SUH) has been extremely busy over the past few days and the hospital is advising that patients who attend ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times. 143 people attended the ED yesterday, Thursday 08 June, resulting in 32 patients admissions.  

As always, people who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised.

National Ambulance Service decontamination demonstration taking place at Sligo University Hospital

National Ambulance Service decontamination demonstration taking place at Sligo University Hospital

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Sligo University Hospital Map

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Information for Open Water Swimmers, Surfers, Kayakers and all Cold Water Athletes

What is Surfer’s Ear?

Well for starters, it’s not just for surfers. In fact, all cold water athletes are at risk of developing the condition. Surfer’s Ear is a medical condition clinically known as External Auditory Canal Exostoses (EACE) or Exostoses, which is caused by repeated exposure to cold water and wind.

Exostoses are formed in response to a continuous change of temperature within the ear canal. As cold water regularly swirls along the ear canal, the body responds by warming the affected area, this also stimulates bone-producing cells within the ear canal, which cause the bone surrounding the ear to develop a bony growth.

These benign bone growths can lead to infections, water trapping, hearing loss and complete closure of the ear canal if left untreated

The condition develops slowly over time and it may take 10 to 15 years for the symptoms to appear.

Cause?

Research shows that Surfer’s Ear is most likely in exposure to cold water below 19deg. In Ireland, the water is usually at its warmest in August and even then the average temperature ranges from 13 to 17 degrees. The bottom line is – the water in Ireland is always too cold for our ears!

Surfer's Ear Clinic

Doctors from Sligo University Hospital held a Surfer’s Ear clinic to raise awareness of the condition.         

 

 
What does Surfer’s Ear look like?

                                                                             

How do you protect your ears?

Wear earplugs.

The advice couldn’t be simpler; this truly is a practical and cost-effective way to reduce your risk of developing exostoses. Hearing loss associated with wearing earplugs was identified through our study as the main deterrent for athletes across all sporting disciplines. However, modern earplugs are not only discrete but also let sound in and keep water out.

What to do if you are worried?

Visit your GP and ask him/her to check your ears. Your GP may then refer you to your nearest hospital to see a specialist Ear Nose and Throat doctor to examine your ears further.

Research at Sligo University Hospital

A team of consultants, doctors and staff from the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) department conducted a year-long project to examine Irish cold water athlete’s awareness and understanding of exostoses as well as athlete’s attitudes towards preventative measures such as wearing earplugs.

The ENT team held five “Surfer’s Ear Clinics” which examined almost 100 cold water athletes, concluding that 1 in 2 athletes had Surfer’s Ear.

The Irish Institute of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery provided Dr Seamus Boyle, ENT SpR at the hospital, with financial support in the form of a small grant to progress this research. The Institute plans to work with him to expand this project, as outlined by Professor Nash Patil in the video below:

                                                                                     

Questionnaire
Calling all triathletes, surfers, open water swimmers, sub aqua and non-water athletes –  help us with our research 'To Determine Water Athletes Awareness of Surfers Ear or Exostosis and Attitudes to wearing Ear Plugs', click here

 

Information coming soon