Sligo General Hospital
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Hospital News
- » COVID close contact health staff back to work (13-01-2021)
- » Concern about ED care in the future (08-06-2020)
- » Public-private hospital agreement reached (31-03-2020)
- » 2,000 hospital beds needed in next two years (20-01-2020)
- » HSE apologises for ED overcrowding (07-01-2020)
- » Government has "betrayed" patients and staff (16-10-2019)
- » Consultants agree to meet Dept of Health (03-10-2019)
- » Hospital patients facing "chaotic" winter - IMO (25-09-2019)
- » Urgent Care Centre for children opens (26-07-2019)
- » Thousands of nurses on strike (28-01-2019)
- » Overwhelming capacity problems in health service (07-01-2019)
- » Hospitals not dealing with complaints properly (14-11-2018)
- » Trolley figures could hit 1,000 this winter (17-09-2018)
- » 6,800+ patients on trolleys in June (02-07-2018)
- » Concern over pressures facing health staff (05-03-2018)
- » Hospital waiting lists 'out of control' (20-07-2017)
- » Children waiting up to five years for eye care (23-03-2016)
- » ED nurses to be balloted on industrial action (04-11-2015)
- » 7,700+ patients on trolleys during May (12-06-2015)
- » ED patients 'will die' due to overcrowding (06-01-2015)
- » Root causes of self-harm must be tackled (09-10-2014)
- » Revamp planned for non-hospital care (08-10-2014)
- » HSE figs 'confirm patients are suffering' (24-09-2014)
- » Irish drinking well above OECD average (02-07-2014)
- » Shock report on mental care suicides (24-06-2014)
- » Medical card policy - then and now (17-06-2014)
- » Govt approves scheme to return cards (17-06-2014)
- » PAC chair wants health chiefs to resign (12-06-2014)
- » HSE had surplus of €31m last year (12-06-2014)
- » Govt halts medical card reviews (29-05-2014)
- » Medical card cut plan hits legal snag (29-05-2014)
- » Cancer patients hit by medical card cuts (19-05-2014)
- » Waiting lists on upward spiral again (15-04-2014)
- » HSE says €1.6m in top ups should end (14-04-2014)
- » HSE may outsource admin work (06-04-2014)
- » Finance control issues at homecare firm (03-04-2014)
- » HSE ultimatum on private practice (31-03-2014)
- » Health now 'doing less with less' (31-03-2014)
- » Shock findings in HSE agency audit (19-02-2014)
- » Two hospitals face fines over top-ups (14-02-2014)
- » Patients taken off waiting list 'in error' (13-02-2014)
- » Hospital filled CEO post without approval (04-02-2014)
- » Hospitals facing massive cuts (31-01-2014)
- » Service will struggle to meet demands-HSE (14-01-2014)
- » Cancer hospital chiefs got charity top-ups (09-01-2014)
- » Vincent's CEO gets nearly €300,000 (24-12-2013)
- » St Vincent's still tight-lipped on top-ups (20-12-2013)
- » HSE targets €1bn in cuts/savings (18-12-2013)
- » Ex-CRC chief got lump sum from charity (11-12-2013)
- » HSE denies it knew about CRC top-ups (03-12-2013)
Below are the general comments about Sligo General Hospital as posted by people who have completed the online survey.
Listing 1 to 30 of 271 comments.
19/01/2021
All the staff were just amazing in every way. Couldn't do enough to help. Great hospital.
This user's rating: | 96% |
29/11/2020
My Dad was admitted in late 2019. He spent nearly three months in the one ward. It took doctors nearly two months before they started to do anything. We were waiting on scans to happen in Dublin and we were practically told the hold up was because of the time of year and it being Christmas. On one occasion my Dad went to Dublin for a scan and had been fasting from the day before. When he arrived back to Sligo after the scan it was nearly four o'clock and he still hadn't been given anything to eat. I rang and spoke to one of the nurses on duty and I was more or less told that they were understaffed and he would get food at dinner time, which was after five o'clock. Several times I had to ring and complain that my father had not been showered or his clothes changed in a couple of days. On another occasion my father was sent to Dublin for another appointment. They allowed myself to go with him. When I arrived that morning to go for the appointment I was told he would be going in a taxi to Dublin and that it would be just myself and him going. I was 8-months pregnant. I had to help my Dad in and out of a taxi and into a wheelchair while the driver just sat there looking. The porters and dinner ladies had more compassion for patients than the nurses or doctors had from what I witnessed. Trying to get an appointment with the doctor was impossible and when you did get a chance to leave a message it took days for them to get back to you. The way my father was treated for his time there was disgraceful.
This user's rating: | 43% |
18/09/2020
Great hospital. Have attended recently in maternity, ED and physiotherapy. Really clean and well run. Staff are brilliant.
This user's rating: | 97% |
22/07/2020
It was a disgrace, I brought my 17 year old daughter in to have an X-ray on her back (she has scoliosis). We arrived at 5.30pm and after waiting for 4 hours I approached a member of staff and enquired when would she be seen they said there were three people ahead of her. We waited a further hour an a half and NO ONE was called from the waiting room. I approached a nurse again who said they would put my daughter on a trolley and put a line in and take blood. She said it would take an hour for the blood results to come back from the labs, to which I asked why does she need to have bloods done for an X-ray. The nurse told me it was standard procedure? For an X-ray? I never heard that before. At this point my daughter was exhausted and in severe pain from sitting on the hard waiting room chairs. We just left. I would have been as well to put her into the car and drive her to Dublin, I would have been up and down and have seen a doctor in the length of time we were left sitting.It was an absolute disgrace. We weren’t the only people to leave with no attention. While we were there, two other people left at the same time.
This user's rating: | 29% |
21/07/2020
I hope that one horrible nurse I came across has left the maternity unit since I was there. First baby born in there and this nurse was a solid nightmare and definitely in the wrong job. So rude, ignorant and a nasty person and discussing patients in front of everyone.
This user's rating: | 42% |
03/07/2020
Was told to report into the relevant ward at 7am for admission for surgery. After checking in and giving my admission details at main entrance desk I was sent up to the ward. On arrival was left sitting in a corridor from 7am until 8.45am when the paperwork for my admission was finally commenced. This was because 8am is handover time from night to day staff. My question is, this was known before my arranged admission time so why was I told to be there at 7am? Why not be told to arrive at 8.30am? I had a distance to travel and the 90-minute difference would have saved my very early start. After I eventually got to my bed at 9am, I had to wait until 2.30pm before I was brought to theatre. Prior to this, I was briefly spoken to by the surgeon, but very little information given re: what to expect afterwards etc... Also visited by anaesthetist who was very pleasant and following a medical examination gave me the option of having either a general anaesthetic or a nerve block. I choose the nerve block, however when I arrived in theatre, I was told that the surgeon had said I must have general anaesthetic. If this was his decision why was I offered the choice? I stayed in hospital overnight. I was a private patient covered by health insurance. At main desk check in I was given the option of a single room which I choose, however when I got to ward, none was available and I was accommodated in a 6-bed ward. Why was the option offered to me if not available? Next morning, a nurse gave me a date for a return outpatients appointment and a few hours later just prior to discharge, a second nurse gave me a different date for the same appointment, and implied that I was incorrect and had got it wrong when I pointed this out to her. Overall, from my experience, I feel a big problem in this hospital is poor organisation and bad communication. A little more empathy towards the patient is also needed.
This user's rating: | 59% |
03/06/2020
Awful experience. Doctor was just so rude to my daughter who was in so much pain, not helpful at all.
This user's rating: | 37% |
18/04/2020
I was in for an illness and disappointed by the attitude of staff there. Admin was not easily approachable and doctors didn't explain what was happening.
This user's rating: | 48% |
11/03/2020
Good experience of this hospital.
This user's rating: | 79% |
02/02/2020
I underwent a procedure in 2018. Seconds prior to the procedure, I received a mild sedative. I do not believe I was provided with the opportunity to allow the sedative to take effect. I was very alert and aware while the procedure was carried out. Following the procedure, my trolley was placed in an overcrowded recovery room full of other patients. Was in great pain, unable to dress myself and in need of the bathroom.I requested to use the bathroom but was refused due to risk re: sedative. I understood, however I was visibly in pain with cramps - but nurse failed to recognise my inability to dress myself and asked me to hurry on. In pain, I eventually managed to partly dress and drag myself out of the room. While awaiting information, a caring nurse provided me with tea and assured me the cramps would ease. Terrible experience re: procedure and attitude and care of nurse in recovery room - duty of care??
This user's rating: | 33% |
27/01/2020
I was admitted through A&E and had to stay as an inpatient. Even though during my stay I had to undergo many tests, the medical team did not take on board my previous medical diagnosis and I ended up being wrongly diagnosed. Because of having been wrongly diagnosed, I had to get a second opinion by another consultant who then correctly diagnosed me and referred me to get a simple but very effective procedure done. During my time in Sligo General Hospital as a private patient, I found I was not only not listened to but also belittled. I felt that the medical team felt uncomfortable when I asked questions as they had no answers but also seemed to be feeling that I stepped on their toes and it was easier to diagnose me with something simple. I am hoping that I never have to avail of Sligo General Hospital service again especially not as a private patient.
This user's rating: | 55% |
23/01/2020
I spent a week on a ward. It was very well run and very tidy and clean. With fresh aroma - no hospital smell. The food was edible, but it is a hospital. A major issue is parking - for both patients and staff. It appears the overflow of staff are now in the patients' car park. There is a new building and those staff will need to have parking - goodness knows where anyone will park soon. It's horrendous.
This user's rating: | 85% |
08/01/2020
I was admitted to Sligo General in December as a result of a road accident. The ambulance staff were kind and professional Michelle and Joe, they even came back to check how I was doing. Emergency ward was a bit of a blur, but again everyone was great. My son had questions for them, which they answered readily. The place was jam packed and staff very busy, but good humoured. I was transferred to Surgical North, again very full and busy, but I was very well looked after by everyone I encountered, from the cleaners to the consultants. The ward was full of patients and the nursing and ancillary staff were on the go constantly. Because of my broken collarbone and ribs, I was in constant pain and could not lie down, one of the nurses got me an adjustable bed but I gave it up because a 90 year old patient needed it. She then got me a reclining chair to use for a couple of nights.The food was fine, given out by staff who were very friendly and very efficient. I was sick for a day and a night and had my painkillers carefully tweaked by a lady doctor/consultant until I stopped being sick. The two physios Robert and Joanne I think, sorted out my breathing and Robert got me another adjustable bed and a monkey bar to help me to pull myself up.I can't remember all the other names individually so I won't name anyone, but they were all first class. Any deficiency I saw was down to resources, not people. I was in Sligo General for a full week and I have to say I was impressed, in particular with the staff.
This user's rating: | 88% |
17/12/2019
Unacceptable conditions; waiting times poor, lack of information from doctors, lack of compassion, lack of privacy, lack of beds, poor communication between consultants etc... Nurses on wards were the only help on getting information on my treatment but were lacking staff.
This user's rating: | 46% |
05/08/2019
On vacation in Ireland from New York, I had a fall. Swelling and intense pain, I felt I had broken a bone(s). My friends took me to Sligo General Hospital where we arrived at ED at 4.15pm. Staff member was sullen. Gauze for cleaning my cut and bruised hand was left on a desk uncovered - staff member's bar of confectionery and energy/fizzy drink in close proximity! They only cleaned one of my cuts. I had to request them to clean the rest of them. Given my symptoms, I requested a full arm X-Ray, but they would not authorise this. I had to wait until approximately 11pm when another staff member authorised a full arm and hand X-Ray. This was carried out satisfactorily. I requested the X-Ray be read by an orthopaedic consultant. Word came back that two doctors pronounced that there was no breakage but advised an MRI scan on my return to New York. My arm was put in a sling and my hand in a wrist brace. I brought the X-Ray disc to NY on my return. Today in NY I had the X-Ray looked at by an orthopaedic doctor who immediately pointed out a metatarsal break. This fracture was plainly visible to me on the screen. A blind man could not miss this clear break. After eight hours in Sligo ED and having been charged 200 euro for a dreadful service, my impression of this hospital is very, very poor. At 5.30pm, we couldn’t even get a decent sandwich! This institution has plenty of room for improvement.
This user's rating: | 33% |
24/07/2019
I had emergency surgery in this hospital three years ago. Was told I was 'too young to be there'. I faced serious issues due to waiting so long for a scheduled MRI scan. Since surgery, I was supposed to be put on the pain management team but have heard absolutely nothing ever since. Not even a follow up review from up to date MRI. When faced with flare ups of my condition, I have had to continuously chase for appointments while being left unable to function in daily life with a family to look after at home. Even consumer services admitted this was unacceptable. Still suffering without pain relief. Zero faith in this hospital. Nurses are lovely as well as other staff members, but I think the doctors are disgraceful.
This user's rating: | 29% |
23/04/2019
I have difficulty believing that a room shared by 6 patients is 'semi-private'. Especially when the sexes are mixed and violent or mentally disturbed men cause uproar and wrestle with nurses. My health insurance claims to cover me for a private ward but Sligo hospital never has a private room available. If the hospital has a policy of having no private rooms available for patients, it should make this clear and patients can choose to go elsewhere. Five times, over five years, when I was brought by ambulance to A&E, I was told private accommodation was not available. Is it ever available? My worst experience in Sligo Hospital was in the locked, mixed-sex stroke ward where I spent the most terrifying night of my life. I will avoid going to Sligo hospital ever again.
This user's rating: | 73% |
15/02/2019
Level of cleaning especially bathroom on ward was a disgrace. There seems to be a total lack of supervision. Waste bin for general waste kept close to bed and within curtained area so lack of privacy and not hygienic. Hygiene in general not good although most medical staff did use hand wash.
This user's rating: | 67% |
07/11/2018
Friendly staff in general, you always meet one awkward person or two. I as family was looked after well by the coffee shop staff, good selection of food for a small area, well priced in comparison to shop in main foyer, double the price for everything. This needs to be reviewed big time. ATM needed badly for people and staff.
This user's rating: | 73% |
29/10/2018
Staff were excellent and reassuring. This helped to reduce my anxiety and fear.
This user's rating: | 99% |
01/10/2018
I had a small operation carried out in Sligo Hospital. The staff were excellent, from the girl at reception to the doctors. My nurse that day was Edel Kelly, she was brilliant from start to finish, so nice and easy to talk to. It made everything a bit easier on me.
This user's rating: | 83% |
16/09/2018
Usually you will always meet one member of staff who isn’t very nice and I sure did. One of the midwives. We are very vulnerable after having a baby and the way she spoke and treated a few of us in the ward was very abrupt and mean. I didn’t let her away with it! I told her exactly what I would and would not do and would not be bossed and forced to do anything. The rest of the ladies in the ward were delighted I stood up to her and I reported her to someone in charge. I was there for a few days after having my baby by emergency section and suffering with high blood pressure, so to be treated like that was ridiculous. If I ever have a baby again, I do not want her near me.
This user's rating: | 80% |
09/09/2018
My 93 year old father was admitted to resus from St. John’s Hospital. The care he received while in Resus for the day was first class treatment. He was treated with respect and dignity by all staff. Sadly Dad passed away early the next morning but thanks to Dr O’Sullivan and staff, he passed very peacefully.
This user's rating: | 93% |
04/09/2018
I was so impressed with the caring way I was treated. I cannot choose any one person as everyone reached a very high standard so overall I left the hospital with a happy experience. Thanks to everyone I met. I stayed at the hospital on 29 and 30 August 2018.
This user's rating: | 99% |
03/06/2018
Staff were lovely.
This user's rating: | 88% |
25/04/2018
The food was awful when my mother was in Sligo General for 6 months in 2014. My friend was recently in and It's a good job she was only in for a short while after her operation because the food is still dreadful. It is unappetising, rather unhealthy, poor quality and sometimes unrecognisable! Not the best way to aid a poorly person's recovery at all. The hospital has talked about improving the food offering to patients over many, many years, but seemingly not much has been done. The food at present is an appalling waste of money and a major detriment to recovery. It really lets down the other services our great hospital offers!
This user's rating: | 91% |
16/04/2018
Lovely, couldn't do enough for my niece.
This user's rating: | 91% |
19/09/2017
Admitted to maternity ward at around 1.30am and we were offered a warm and friendly welcome. Very dignified and supportive reassuring approach to my daughter who was admitted and stayed for two nights until she was able to transfer to her own local hospital. The lady on reception named Evelyn who took our personal details for admin purposes worked to a very high standard and was incredibly friendly and efficient and also very helpful. Reception staff often do not get enough recognition for their important job.
This user's rating: | 88% |
08/08/2017
I injured my foot in 2010 and every time I tried to get a diagnosis, was x-rayed and told it was probably an inflammation. I have suffered much pain and loss of work opportunities and finally had to suggest to a doctor that they should maybe try an actual diagnosis. Waited nine months for and MRI and now it seems they had me walking around on a broken foot all this time. They refused to do an MRI and kept just doing x-rays although nothing showed up. Neither my discomfort in walking nor my wish to have this injury diagnosed and treated were taken seriously. Very Dissppointing.
This user's rating: | 34% |
02/07/2017
Incredibly friendly and efficient. The whole team is excellent but Marcus Choo is second to none. Helped me through my lymphoma diagnosis and a painful biopsy. No waiting when I have an appointment. Just world-class service.
This user's rating: | 89% |