Several key infrastructure projects were recently launched at Sligo University Hospital (SUH) by Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

During her visit, Minister Carroll MacNeill turned the sod on a new €30 million, 42-bed ward block and officially opened two newly completed facilities; a 26-bed offsite medical ward at St John's Community Hospital and a second CT scanner unit within the SUH radiology department.

Minister Carroll MacNeill said: "I am delighted to be in Sligo University Hospital today to see first-hand the infrastructural investment and to thank staff for their work. Developments like the new off-site ward at St John's Hospital, are responding to increased patient demand and enhancing capacity to provide timely, quality care to patients. 

"Together with the new ward block development under construction and the new CT scanner, these developments are an important step in our ongoing efforts to provide modern patient facilities in which world-class care is delivered for the benefit of the whole region."

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The new 42-bed ward block on the SUH campus will consist of two 21-bed wards featuring all single en-suite rooms, along with ancillary accommodation.

The project, with an expected completion date in Q4 2027, also includes a shell-and-core area to facilitate future expansion, including the planned development of a Cardiology CT suite and additional day services. The ward block is a vital interim step in the hospital's long-term strategy to deliver a larger multi-service block over the next eight years.

Meanwhile, the 26-bed medical ward located offsite at St John's Community Hospital has been operational since January 2025. The €2.5 million facility was developed under the HSE 2024 Capital Plan and is designed to alleviate pressure on SUH’s Emergency Department by improving overall patient flow.

To support the hospital's expanding diagnostic needs, a second CT scanner was officially opened and is scheduled to become operational on May 5, 2025. The installation comes in response to a 56% rise in CT scan demand over the past decade and will significantly reduce waiting times for both emergency and outpatient diagnostic imaging.

The second scanner will enhance resilience within SUH's radiology department, ensuring uninterrupted service for trauma, stroke, inpatient and emergency care.