THE HSE has yet to find a location for a new hospital it intends to build in Lifford.
In what is being viewed as a major victory for campaigners the HSE confirmed this week that a 25-bed healthcare facility will be developed in the town.
But the news has been tempered by the fact that a site has yet to be identified.
In response to a question by Pearse Doherty TD health chiefs said only that the hospital will be developed on a “green field site”.
Cost and timeframe for construction will not be made available though until after the plans have been considered, accepted and ratified by the HSE’s National Capital and Property Steering Committee.
The Friends of Lifford Hospital group has so far made no comment on the announcement and no one was available for interview yesterday. It is understood members will meet in the coming days to discuss the development.
Councillor Gerry Crawford, a long-time campaigner for the retention of a hospital in Lifford, said that while the confirmation from the HSE was welcome, many more details are needed.
Indications are that the new unit will not be built on the site of the existing hospital.
He said, “I have been in discussions all along with various parties on this and the indication from the HSE has to be taken as good news.
“What is particularly positive is the fact that previously the HSE indicated that the necessity for a hospital would be determined by the outcome of the 2022 census. Now they are acknowledging that there is a need for such a facility in Lifford.
“That is very welcome news and very good for the Friends of Lifford Hospital group which has campaigned tirelessly for this outcome.
“But while this is a step forward, it is not the conclusion. The reference to a green field site would infer that they are not talking about the old hospital.
“I feel confident that efforts are being made for a suitable site but at this point a site has not been identified.”
Councillor Crawford added that he has tabled a question on the plans to the HSE’s Regional Health Forum West.
It meets this Tuesday in Merlin Park University Hospital, Galway.
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