'Misinformation' from HSE led to confusion over beds at new Galway hospital, TD says

Eva Osborne

There has been confusion over the number of beds at a new hospital in Galway due to "misinformation" provided by the HSE, according to a Fine Gael TD.

The development in Merlin Park was previously described by the Government and HSE as a "200-bed" hospital.

However, the HSE has now clarified that the new centre is an elective day hospital, and no beds were ever planned.

Concerns have been raised that the development is being backtracked at a time when the county is experiencing major bed shortages.

Fine Gael TD for Galway West, Hildegarde Naughton, who had previously claimed the hospital would include the 200 beds, said the situation is "unhelpful".

"The information was out there. I have been on the record, if you go back to media reports back in 2021, after that Cabinet decision was made," she said.

"I was out talking about the decision made in Cabinet around the elective hospital that phase 1 would be day cases only. I was very clear on that and I suppose I don't know what else I can say.

"The commitment from the Minister for Health last night, as a result of the misinformation that was provided by the HSE, which was very unhelpful, and I can absolutely understand why people would be confused."