Rheumatology services at Galway University Hospital statement

Due to Consultant staff shortages, a number of Rheumatology Outpatient clinics in GUH are being postponed during the months of July and August 2015. The hospital apologises and regrets any inconvenience this may cause to patients and their families. New appointments will be rescheduled as soon as possible. Urgent patients however will continue to be seen. Clinics in Sligo/Manorhamilton will continue as normal.

We currently have 3 consultants in Galway University Hospital, covering OPD clinics, a Day Ward service in MPUH as well as Emergency Medical intake and a consult service at University Hospital Galway. 

At present, one of our consultants is on maternity leave. A Locum Consultant will take up post in September 2015. An extra Consultant for GUH will take up post in October 2015. 

An additional Registrar is being assigned to Rheumatology and will commence in July 2015. From the 1st October, will have 4 Consultant Rheumatologists at GUH.

Additional Information

What arrangements are in place with those who had appointments scheduled?

Patients have and are being notified that their appointment has been postponed and they will receive a new appointment date as soon as possible. When the extra medical staff are in place we will then be in a position to hold extra Outpatient clinics .

What is the situation regarding patients who may need emergency appointments?

Emergency patients will continue to be seen on a case by case basis.