Major enhancements to women’s health services in SUH launched by Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, TD

Sligo University Hospital (SUH) is delighted to welcome Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, TD to formally launch two significant enhancements in gynaecology and maternity services at the hospital.

Today, Friday 23 February, Minister Donnelly has cut the ribbon on a new Ambulatory Gynaecology clinic in Sligo University Hospital.

The new service in SUH is part of a national plan to improve health outcomes for women through a new model of care. The clinic operates a “see and treat” model which means that women who need gynaecological care can be assessed, treated and discharged on the same day all within this “one stop” setting.  

The establishment of the new ambulatory clinic in SUH is reducing the need for women to have multiple gynaecology appointments for a single episode of care and this in turn is having a positive impact on waiting lists and in-patient bed usage at the hospital, with waiting lists for outpatient appointments reduced by over 50%.

Women are referred to the clinic by their GP and have access to same day diagnostics, investigations, treatments and minor procedures under a team of consultants and specialist nurses. The new unit provides both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for common gynaecological conditions including hysteroscopies, ultrasound scans, biopsies and management of intrauterine devices.

Speaking at the official opening Minister Donnelly said, “As Minister I’ve made developing better women’s health services a priority during the lifetime of this Government. The unprecedented levels of funding in women’s health services are now delivering for women. I know that this clinic is a positive, on-the-ground improvement, that is already making a real difference to the women of Sligo and the Northwest, reducing waiting times and improving access to services.”

Minister Donnelly also visited the Seomra Suaimhnis / Serenity Room which is a wonderful new labour and delivery suite developed by the maternity service in SUH with the support of the National Women and Infants Programme (NWIP). 

The suite is designed around a “home from home” approach, the décor and atmosphere aim to create a relaxed and less clinical environment for women to give birth in. Women also have access to a heated birthing pool in the suite which can help with pain relief during their labour.

Grainne Mc Cann, Hospital Manager at SUH said, “The opening of the Ambulatory Gynaecology clinic in SUH is a major step forward in the delivery of women centred care in our region. Since opening last year we have seen over 320 women in the clinic and have delivered a fully integrated model of care to these patients.  

“There is a huge patient benefit involved in the “see and treat” model, the most important being improved access to specialist care for women who need to avail of it.”

Speaking about the Seomra Suaimhnis / Serenity Room Grainne added, “In SUH we welcome nearly 1,300 babies into the world every year, I’m delighted we can now offer some of our mums a beautiful, relaxed and homely space to facilitate a positive birth experience.”