Work is continuing at pace on the new HSE South West Surgical Hub, located on the campus of Cork University Hospital (CUH), which is set to open later this year.
Following the recent handover of the building to HSE South West, teams are focused on the final stages of the high-spec fit-out and operational readiness to support the first patients from September. Key preparatory work is also underway, including staffing and service planning, to ensure the hub delivers safe, high-quality care from the outset.
The HSE South West Surgical Hub will include 4 operating theatres, 2 minor procedure rooms, a dedicated recovery and discharge areas, outpatient and consultation facilities, as well as modern clinical and support accommodation.
The new hub will deliver a significant increase in capacity for non-complex elective and day case procedures for patients across the wider region, supporting improved access to timely care.
IMPROVING PATIENT FLOW
The new building is part of the HSE’s national Surgical Hub Programme and when fully operational, will provide care and consultations for thousands of patients each year, including day case surgery, minor procedures and outpatient consultations.
“By separating scheduled care from emergency services, the hub will help reduce cancellations, improve patient flow and make better use of hospital resources”, Professor John R Higgins, Regional Director Strategic Planning and Performance, HSE South West said.
Roles being filled through the current recruitment for the HSE South West Surgical Hub span across nursing, medical, health and social care professional, theatre, administrative and support services – visit www.hse.ie/jobs
EXPECTED Q3 OPENING
The hub will support a range of specialties and will deliver same day procedures, allowing patients to attend for treatment, recover and return home on the same day wherever clinically appropriate.
Importantly, the HSE South West Surgical Hub is also a precursor to the planned Cork Elective Hospital, supporting the phased development of dedicated elective care infrastructure in the region.
Cork North West TD, John Paul O’Shea has welcomed the news, stating the new hub will play ‘a key role in easing pressure on existing hospital services and improving patient outcomes’.
“Dedicated surgical hubs are an important part of modernising our healthcare system. By separating scheduled procedures from emergency care pressures, we can improve efficiency, reduce cancellations, and ensure patients receive treatment more quickly.”
Deputy O’Shea also noted that the extended operating hours and increased staffing levels will allow more procedures to be carried out in a dedicated and efficient setting.
“Operating six days a week from 8am to 8pm will ensure that the facility can maximise capacity and deliver faster treatment for patients. The recruitment of 125 additional staff is also extremely welcome and reflects the scale and ambition of this important investment.”
Opening of the HSE South West Surgical Hub is expected in late September 2026, following completion of commissioning, fit-out and recruitment.
