DONEGAL Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, has said he is looking forward to work beginning on the new surgical hub and the provision of new ambulatory day oncology facilities at Letterkenny University Hospital as soon as possible.

Speaking at a press conference at Letterkenny University Hospital earlier today at which Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill announced details of her commitment to delivering significant developments at the hospital, he said: “I’d like to thank Minister MacNeill for all her ongoing engagement in relation to the expansion of services at Letterkenny University Hospital over the last number of months, and for the conclusion she has come to.

“A lot of really good work goes on at Letterkenny University Hospital and a lot of positive developments have taken place over the years. The hospital has wonderful staff and it’s important that developments continue at the hospital. It’s also important to point out that there’s been a lot of hard work done by management at the hospital.

“Often, the focus can fall on negative pieces, as can be the case in every walk of life – that’s what bubbles to the surface. And that can take away from the immense work that is happening on an ongoing basis.

“But this announcement today is an extremely positive story and an exciting new chapter in terms of the development of the hospital.

“It is key in relation to its standing and locking in the surgical capacity of the hospital as well which so much of the rest of the hospital depends on,” Minister McConalogue added.

“The hospital also depends on a well-functioning Emergency Department as well as other services.

“From a Donegal and North-West point of view, the decision that has been taken in relation to the surgical hub is a sensible one. As I have often said, from Malin Head to Galway is a long, long way. Having one surgical hub north of the Galway line would have left the region not being properly served,” he commented.

“What we have in relation to this announcement today is a plan for two surgical hubs, with the other planned for Sligo. We can look forward now to additional surgical capacity on the site of Letterkenny University Hospital alongside the expansion of oncology services which is extremely important.

“I am looking forward to working with Minister Carroll MacNeill, the HSE and the hospital management to bringing the plans through to fruition and seeing them happen. Thanks also to all the medics for their advocacy on behalf of the hospital, and to the management at the hospital for their great teamwork,” the Donegal Minister of State added.