One Year Anniversary Highlighted at Medical Offsite Ward at Sligo University Hospital

Sligo University Hospital (SUH) is marking the first anniversary of its Medical Offsite Ward, a 26-bed specialised medical ward located at St John’s Community Hospital, Sligo which has played a vital role in improving patient flow and access to care over the past 12 months.

Since opening, 686 patients have been transferred to the Medical Offsite Ward, with 16% admitted directly from the Sligo University Hospital Emergency Department, easing pressure on acute services while ensuring patients continue to receive high quality medical supervision.

The Medical Offsite Ward, funded under the HSE 2024 Capital Plan at a cost of €2.5 million, provides modern accommodation including six four-bed rooms and two single en-suite rooms. The ward is a specialised acute facility and provides structured medical support to patients who meet the criteria for the ward and will continue to benefit from medical supervision and therapeutic support. This is provided by a full multidisciplinary team including doctors, nurses and Health and Social care professionals in a calm environment where they can complete the remainder of their hospital stay.

Commenting on the service their family member received while attending the ward, one relative said, “The wards are so bright and spacious, we were delighted when we came to visit dad. He was so well looked after which gives us such great peace of mind as a family. All the staff are just amazing, nothing is too much and the ward managers were always available to answer any queries.”

While another patient’s family member said, “We cannot say enough about the staff in this bright and friendly place. From the moment we arrived, my mother was treated with the utmost degree of professionalism and respect across all disciplines. We are so grateful for the kindness and consideration shown to our family at a challenging time.”

Gráinne McCann, Hospital Manager at Sligo University Hospital said, “As we mark one year since the opening of the Medical Offsite Ward, we acknowledge the ward has made a real difference to patient flow, bed capacity and the overall experience of care, while ensuring patients continue to receive acute hospital care in a modern and supportive setting. Key to the success of this offsite ward has been the leadership and cohesive teamwork across the hospital system to ensure maximum utilisation of this new ward.”