THE temporary closure of the antenatal clinic at Dungloe Community Hospital has been criticised by local politicians.
Independent TD Thomas Pringle and his council colleague, Cllr Michael Cholm MacGiolla Easpuig, have slammed Letterkenny General Hospital (LGH) for the move.
“This is a huge blow to west Donegal that heaps added pressure on mothers and their partners forcing them to travel to Letterkenny for clinics that up to now have been provided locally. Expectant parents will have added cost of travel and could have to rely on patchy public transport to access these vital clinics. It is totally unacceptable that the hospital should close this clinic,” Cllr MacGiolla Easpuig said.
Deputy Pringle added: “For Letterkenny General Hospital to withdraw this clinic is a disgrace and they should immediately reinstate it now.
“This decision calls into question the future of antenatal clinics around the county and Letterkenny General Hospital need to clarify now what their intentions are.”
A spokesperson for the HSE said that the move is a temporary one due to prolonged sick leave in that area.
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