A blocked drain associated with an air-handling unit/humidifier resulted in water entering the orthopaedic theatre corridor at Sligo University Hospital on Monday resulting in operations being cancelled.
Patients have expressed their frustration at the cancellations with one woman telling The Sligo Champion that she was gowned up and ready for knee operation when it was called off by the consultant due to the leak.
The issue has been addressed, cleaning and air sampling are being undertaken, and the theatre has been temporarily closed as a precaution.
According to councillor Edel McSharry. the air-handling units are at end of life and are already subject to a tender for replacement under the minor capital programme.
She said: “However, the distinction between a roof leak, a humidifier or another infrastructure failure does not alter the fundamental issue for patients.
“Elective orthopaedic surgery is being cancelled because the theatre infrastructure is not fit for the demands being placed upon it.
“I have been advocating for a permanent solution since the original leaks occurred. Following those concerns, the orthopaedic theatres were reviewed and found to be no longer fit for purpose and not meeting modern standards.
“A business case/options appraisal was subsequently developed for a new-build solution. I have now been advised that the options appraisal for the replacement Orthopaedic Theatres has been completed and a submission is due to be made for formal capital approval. The proposed development provides for two replacement orthopaedic theatres, theatre storage and additional beds.”
Cllr McSharry said the constituency’s Dáil representatives need to push this project to the next stage and secure the necessary capital funding.
“Patients and staff cannot continue to be exposed to repeated disruption because of ageing infrastructure. I will continue to raise this through the Regional Health Forum and at every level available to me.
“I also believe there is a responsibility on all of our Dáil representatives to work together to ensure that this project gets the capital approval is progressed as a matter of urgency.
“Sligo University Hospital has excellent orthopaedic consultants and staff. They deserve modern, safe and fit-for-purpose facilities, and most importantly, patients deserve certainty that when they are called for surgery, their operation will go ahead,” said Cllr McSharry.
Some five patients due for for elective surgery on Monday were told that due to a leak all surgery had to be cancelled.
One frustrated patient who was due to have knee replacement surgery told The Sligo Champion: “This means I will all have to be resheduled and the waiting list will be pushed back. This is shocking and an absolute disgrace.
“It is time for some real action from all our politicians representing the North West. It has gone too far this time. The Minister for Health was at Sligo University Hospital when the last leak occured where she reassured the consultants and the wider community that she would take the neccessary action.”
The previous significant leak at the hospital occurred last February with extensive repairs carried out in its aftermath.