HSE South West Surgical Hub progresses towards September opening

HSE South West Surgical Hub progresses towards September opening

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:

• Four operating theatres
• Two minor procedure rooms
• Dedicated recovery and discharge areas
• Outpatient and consultation facilities
• 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.

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.

Professor John R Higgins, Regional Director Strategic Planning and Performance, HSE South West said:

“As the lead for the Elective Care Programme in the region, the development of the HSE South West Surgical Hub is a significant step forward in improving access to planned care. The hub will ensure that thousands of patients from across the wider region receive planned day case procedures in a purpose-built facility.

“A very positive and welcome addition, it will support improved access to care for patients in a modern, new space. Recruitment is now underway to ensure we have a highly motivated team in place with the right skills to deliver safe, high-quality care from day one.

“The South West Surgical Hub also represents a key milestone in strengthening elective healthcare delivery and is an important step towards the development of the dedicated Cork Elective Hospital. By separating scheduled care from emergency services, the hub will help reduce cancellations, improve patient flow and make better use of hospital resources.”

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. More information is available at www.hse.ie/jobs

Opportunities are available to:

• Existing HSE staff seeking new opportunities
• Newly qualified professionals starting their careers
• Candidates working elsewhere who are interested in relocating to Cork

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. The hub will help establish clinical pathways, workforce models and operational experience that will inform and complement the future elective hospital, while delivering immediate benefits for patients.

The HSE South West Surgical Hub is one of six surgical hubs being developed nationally as part of the Government’s Elective Ambulatory Care Programme, aligned with Sláintecare reforms to improve access, efficiency and patient outcomes across the health system.

Opening of the HSE South West Surgical Hub is expected in late September 2026, following completion of commissioning, fit-out and recruitment.