New Bantry unit will double endoscopies

A new endoscopy unit has opened at Bantry General Hospital and will double endoscopy activity over the next 18 months.

The unit has two procedure rooms, six recovery bays, a discharge lounge, and a reception area. It cost €8m.

The unit will increase the number of endoscopies done at Bantry General Hospital and will help cut endoscopy waiting lists across the HSE South West region.

Integrated healthcare area manager for Cork South and West, Priscilla Lynch, said the unit will benefit all of Cork: “This modern facility will enhance our diagnostic capabilities, reduce waiting times, and ensure patients have access to high-quality care closer to home.

“This investment benefits not just the people of West Cork, but the wider population, as the unit is receiving referrals from across the South West region. We are proud to take this important step forward in expanding services and supporting better outcomes for our community.” 

General manager of Bantry General Hospital Carole Croke said that the new facility “not only enhances the range of services we can provide locally, but it’s also a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our exceptional team.

“The supportive, professional environment here in Bantry has been key to bringing this project to life, and we look forward to continuing to deliver safe, high-quality care in this state-of-the-art facility.

“We expect that this new unit will allow us to double the endoscopy activity at the hospital. Feedback from patients already has been very positive, and it’s also been great to see that staff feel this is a very positive environment to work in.” Endoscopy services at the unit include colonoscopy; gastroscopy, proctoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy, and diagnostics and therapeutics.

Peadar S Waters, a consultant colorectal surgeon at the hospital, said: “This unit will allow us to double our numbers over the next 18 months. It’s very modern, it’s cutting edge, and has new technology. The population of Cork is going to increase by 10-15% over the next 20 years and it’s vital we have access for all these patients.”