by Louise Doyle
THE HSE has said it is continuing to “prioritise referrals” within Letterkenny Community Physiotherapy Department “based on clinical need”.
In a statement to the Donegal News, a HSE spokesperson said that while Letterkenny Community Physiotherapy Department continues to “operate below capacity”, efforts are being made to give recruitment precedence in a bid to address a challenging landscape.
“The HSE wish to advise that the Letterkenny Community Physiotherapy Department continues to operate below capacity. The HSE continue to prioritise referrals based on clinical need. GP colleagues have been advised of the current situation which will result in increased wait times to access services.
“Backfill of vacancies will continue within the Pay and Number’s Strategy issued earlier this year. At this time, work is ongoing in relation to the prioritisation of recruitment in order to respond to the needs of the population.”
The statement went on to apologise for the disruption to service and wait times.
“The HSE continues to provide a high quality service and apologises for any disruption to service and increased wait times for clients and GPs.”
The statement comes in the wake of concern that physiotherapy patients will face up to one year for an appointment, as the Letterkenny department is working 60 per cent below staffing capacity.
A letter by a senior manager to GPs, seen by the Donegal News last week, outlined the bleak position for patients and staff within the department.
The letter requested GPs inform their clients of the department’s wait times, and asked GPs to “discourage” their clients from contacting the department directly.
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