The HSE’s specialist emergency department team is to be appointed to Letterkenny University Hospital to assess and address the ongoing problems at the hospital’s emergency department.
The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has asked the HSE’s CEO, Bernard Gloster, to assign the specialist team.
According to Donegal minister Charlie McConalogue, it will mean hospital management at LUH will get the support they need to ensure the best possible services are provided for patients.
“This is a welcome move by Minister Donnelly on the back of concerns that have been raised by GPs and consultants in relation to the pressure on the emergency department at Letterkenny University Hospital,” the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine said.
“It’s important that these concerns are taken seriously and responded to.
“The appointment of the HSE specialist emergency team, who have worked with other hospitals across the country, is a positive step to ensuring that the hospital management and medical leadership team get all the support they require to ensure that the best possible services are provided to patients across Donegal.”
Agriculture and the Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue.
Minister McConalogue insisted the government is firmly committed to making sure Letterkenny University Hospital is supported in every way possible.
“Over the last three years, we’ve seen over 200 extra staff recruited at the hospital and an increase of 24 per cent in its annual budget,” he said.
“”We have also seen the delivery of 49 additional acute beds at Letterkenny University Hospital under this government. On the back of the strong support being given to Letterkenny University Hospital by the government, it’s important that a strong and efficient service is provided for patients across Donegal.”
He said he will continue to liaise with Minister Donnelly in relation to his confirmation of his plans to visit Letterkenny University Hospital as soon as can be arranged. The visit, he said, will include a meeting with hospital staff and management, as well as GP representatives.
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