We have recently held one of a series of General Surgery ‘Mega clinics’. The first successful clinic was held in Altnagelvin Hospital on the 11th July 2025 and assessed 69 patients. It is anticipated that General Surgery Mega Clinics will initially run until the end of March 2026 in Altnagelvin and Omagh Hospitals.

The aim of ‘Mega Clinics’ are to alleviate pressure across the system by targeting large groups of patients in a ‘one stop shop’ which involves accessible and comprehensive surgical care and anaesthetic preoperative assessment.

The Mega Clinic will cater to patients with common surgical conditions such as hernias, piles, gallstones, appendicitis, lipomas, abscesses which typically can have long waiting lists.

Speaking about the General Surgery Mega Clinics, Paul Doherty, Assistant Director of Surgery, Paediatrics and Women’s Health in the Western Trust said:

“Our patients through these clinics, will benefit from specialty consultations with experienced General Surgeons alongside on-site investigations with a view to being scheduled for their procedure in either the Omagh Day Procedure and/or South West Acute Hospital Elective Overnight Stay Centre as clinically appropriate in the coming months. Attendance at mega clinics is encouraged as this fresh approach being undertaken will expedite the care and treatment our patients require.

The Mega Clinics are patient centric and are beneficial for patients seeking timely surgical evaluations without delays typically associated with the multi-department visits. The integrated approach ensures streamlined care, where consultation, diagnostic and treatment planning happen in one visit.

“We have had very positive feedback from patients and the multidisciplinary team at the clinics and I would encourage all patients who are invited to our Mega Clinics to please attend.”