A VITAL new medical facility has reached another significant “milestone” phase of development, it has been announced.
It was revealed last month on June 25 that the new surgical hub for Letterkenny had moved to the design phase.
It was announced today (Tuesday, July 28) that a design team has now been appointed.
The hub was launched in July last year by Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.
Today, she described the appointment as an “important milestone”.
Minister MacNeill said: “The new Surgical Hub will significantly increase our capacity to deliver elective care.”
It will have two theatres and two minor operating rooms to help deliver thousands of day-cases, minor operations and outpatient consultations every year, according to the HSE.
Its spokesperson explained that separating routine procedures and treatments from emergency cases is intended to prevent disruption from “seasonal surges, localised outbreaks and emergency demands”.
She said: “This means that acute hospitals will have capacity freed up to deal with more complex and urgent cases.”
Brónach Furphy, HSE Capital & Estates, Jordan Barrow, HSE Capital & Estates, Mohammed Ul-Haq, HLM Architects, Kevin Jackson- Kevin Jackson Architects, Shane Graham, HSE Capital & Estates, Kevin O’Neill, HLM Architects and Jane Harris- Kevin Jackson Architects at Letterkenny University Hospital following the appointment of a design team for the new Ambulatory Hub.
Donegal TD Pat the Cope Gallagher said: “This investment will make a real and lasting difference to people’s lives.
“It represents hope for better, faster care closer to home.”
He added: “I look forward to seeing these much‑needed services delivered for patients and families in our community.
“My commitment to improving services and care in Letterkenny University Hospital is total. Letterkenny needs this investment.”
The latest progression update follows recent criticism about the timeline of the project.
Cllr Declan Meehan requested at a meeting of the Regional Health Forum West and North West in mid-June that a timeline had to be made public.
Officially announcing the hub design team, the HSE spokesperson said today: “We are pleased to announce a design team has been appointed for the new Surgical Hub and Ambulatory Hub Development at Letterkenny University Hospital.
“The design team, led by Architects HLM and Kevin Jackson Architects, will soon commence the design stages of the Ambulatory Hub development which will comprise a Surgical Hub and Ambulatory Oncology at Letterkenny University Hospital.
“The new two-theatre surgical hub will be located beside the existing hospital building, along with the addition of 30 ambulatory day oncology chairs (15 new and 15 replacement).
“This dual investment will enhance both surgical and cancer treatment services in Donegal.”
She added: “The design of the new surgical hub will allow for future vertical expansion, addressing the long-term need for additional bed capacity in the region.
“A full Development Control Plan (DCP) for the Letterkenny University Hospital site has been commissioned to guide the sequencing of future developments.
“It is anticipated that the design team will commence the design stages in August 2026 with planning anticipated to be lodged in Q2 2027.”
Dermot Monaghan, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, Donegal said “This is very positive news for Letterkenny University Hospital.
“The new facility will be an important addition to LUH and to the people that avail of its services.”