Bon Secours Hospital Tralee opened the new Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU) in June 2026.
Specialising in general surgery and urology, the SAU aims to promote prompt and timely access for patients to consultant-delivered assessments. The service allows patients referred by their GP to receive expert specialist care, including diagnostic testing where appropriate.
Appointments are arranged directly with patients within one working day of the SAU receiving a GP referral. Referring GPs also receive a response acknowledging receipt and appointment details within the same time frame.
When visiting the SAU, patients are initially assessed by a member of the nursing team. The SAU consultants and doctors will then review symptoms, deciding on the most appropriate investigations and treatment plans.
A general surgery assessment may include a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, a full blood count (FBC), urea & electrolytes (U&E), c-reactive protein (CRP), and live function tests (LFTs). A urology assessment may include an ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis, midstream urine sample (MSU), and post-void residual urine assessment (PVRU).
Where clinically appropriate, diagnostic tests will be arranged on the same day and hospital admission could be required.