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Hospitals at Saolta University Health Care Group

Sligo University Hospital’s Nursing Class of 1974 commemorated

“Our roots are in Sligo but our shoots spread worldwide”, that’s the inscription on the plaque at Sligo University Hospital which was installed to commemorate the hospital’s first nurses-in-training. 

The first intake of student nurses joined Sligo University Hospital in 1974 and the foundation was laid for the next 50 years of professionalism, compassion and dedication to patients.

Invitation to International Women’s Day healthcare conference hosted by Sligo University Hospital

Sligo University Hospital extends an invitation to women of all ages to a free public conference to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The conference takes place on Friday 8th March, 2024 in the Clayton Hotel, Sligo from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Brídín Bell (Advanced Nurse Practitioner) and Ms Juliana Henry (Director of Midwifery in the Women and Children’s Service SUH) are hosting the conference along with the Centre of Nursing and Midwifery Sligo.

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

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.

Sligo University Hospital Pilot new Midwifery Service to Enhance Postnatal Care

A new pilot service, which will further enhance midwifery care, has been launched by the Maternity Department at Sligo University Hospital (SUH). The establishment of a community midwifery service, as an outreach service from the hospital, will provide women and babies with integrated care as close to home as possible.

Sligo University Hospital is under significant pressure due to COVID outbreaks and high ED attendances

Sligo University Hospital (SUH) is under significant pressure due to COVID outbreaks and high numbers of people attending the Emergency Department. SUH is managing five COVID outbreaks and the public are asked to be extra vigilant if visiting the hospital. Do not visit the hospital if you are feeling unwell.  

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Photo Title Hospital Location Telephone
Medical Department Sligo University Hospital 071 9171111
Nurse Practice Development Unit Sligo University Hospital 071 9174783
Pathology Laboratory Department (Sligo University Hospital Sligo University Hospital 071 9174552
Pediatric Department Sligo University Hospital 071 9171111
Pharmacy Department Sligo University Hospital 071 9171111 extn 74576
Physiotherapy Department Sligo University Hospital 071 9174567
Pre Admission Clinic Department Sligo University Hospital 071 9136849
Quality and Safety Department Sligo University Hospital 071 9171111 extn 74210
Radiology Department Sligo University Hospital 071-9174509
Research and Education Department Sligo University Hospital 071 9174204

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Sligo University Hospital Map

sligo university hospital sligo

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