SLIGO/GALWAY: The HSE (Health Service Executive) has confirmed that an upgraded, fully accessible patient transport service connecting Sligo University Hospital (SUH) and University Hospital Galway (UHG) will commence operations next Monday, November 3rd.
The new service, which runs five days a week, is specifically designed to enhance comfort and accessibility for patients, particularly oncology patients traveling to UHG for radiotherapy treatment. The upgraded bus features crucial amenities, including wheelchair accessibility and on-board toilet facilities.
This new vehicle replaces the previous bus, which had reached the end of its service life and was deemed “not fit for purpose,” according to local representatives.
Tribute to Advocacy and Partnership: GrĆ”inne McCann, Sligo University Hospital Manager, expressed delight: “We are delighted to have an improved bus service operational from early November. This service is in place to help ensure improved comfort levels for patients travelling from Sligo to Galway for radiotherapy.”
Local councillors played a key role in securing the replacement. Cllr Edel McSharry noted that following the breakdown of the old bus, advocacy groups, including the Friends of Sligo University Hospital and the Cancer Support Centre Menās Group, campaigned for a replacement. Funding was secured last year through the commitment of then Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and Minister Dara Calleary, with the HSE taking responsibility for procurement.
Cllr McSharry acknowledged that the process took longer than anticipated due to EU procurement and regulatory requirements but emphasized the final outcome justifies the wait. “Patients travelling daily to Galway for radiotherapy deserve maximum comfort and dignity. Many, particularly men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, highlighted the urgent need for toilet facilities on board,” she stated.
Cllr Marie Casserly also welcomed the news, thanking all the voluntary groups, charities, and management for their lobbying efforts. She highlighted that the new bus will make the difficult journey to Galway “that little bit easier” for cancer patients.
Both councillors stressed that this successful outcome is a strong example of what community advocacy, persistence, and partnership with government can achieve in improving essential cancer services for patients in Sligo, Leitrim, and the wider North West region.
