INDEPENDENT TD for Donegal Thomas Pringle has said the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services must recognise the need for such services at Letterkenny University Hospital.
Established in 2018, the review is due to be published soon.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Pringle said that the terms of reference say that the review is, among other things, to ensure that patients have access to a service based on clinical need rather than geographic location.
“Minister, it is imperative that this is recognised in any recommendations, so that Donegal won’t be left behind.”
Deputy Pringle raised the issue with Minister Michael McGrath during Questions on Policy or Legislation.
Last week the Donegal News reported how documents seen by this newspaper revealed that the consideration, and indeed recommendation, for the development of Specialist Cardiac Services propose that there should be four main centres, none of which are above the Dublin-Galway line.
If recommended, Donegal patients will have to travel to Galway for Angiography services.
Deputy Pringle said the issue was particularly important for people in Donegal given the county’s geographic isolation.
“Cardiac patients in Donegal, if their clinical need is to be properly met and if cardiac outcomes are to be improved, need to see services retained and expanded in Letterkenny University Hospital, rather than face a three- to five-hour journey to either Galway or Dublin.”
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