A COMMUNITY Mobile X-ray Service saw an average of 96.25% of users in Donegal avoid transfers to hospital.
A HSE report based on the year 2025 revealed the service visited 383 patients across Donegal, and of those, 369 patients avoided visiting the hospital for further treatment.
These figures will have immensely helped with over-crowding in Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH), which has recently reported severe overcrowding.
The hospital reported to be at full capacity in recent weeks as it deals with Flu and COVID outbreaks as we come into winter months.
It has asked patients to consider all other options, such as GPs and community pharmacists before coming to the Emergency Department.
On a national level more than 16,000 x-rays were delivered directly to people where they live across Ireland in 2025, supporting over 12,500 people avoid hospital transfer and preventing more than 25,000 ambulance journeys, according to the new report.
The HSE‑funded Community Mobile X‑ray Service, delivered in partnership with Mobile Medical Diagnostics, is designed to support those who may find hospital attendance challenging.
The service brings diagnostic imaging closer to where people live and receive care, thereby improving access and continuity of care.
Services provided by the mobile x-ray service include screenings of the hip, pelvis and chest, making it highly beneficial to older residents.
Minister for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell TD, said the service is making a real and measurable difference to those living in nursing homes, hospices, and community hospitals.
It also provides support for disability and intellectual disability residences and community mental health services.
“By bringing timely diagnostics directly to people where they live, irrespective of where that might be, we are improving the overall care experience for individuals as well as reducing avoidable emergency department admissions, and ambulance journeys,” he said.
“This Community Mobile X‑Ray Service aligns closely with the ambitions of Sláintecare by ensuring that patients can access the right care, in the right place and at the right time.”
National Director of National Services and Schemes, HSE, Pat Healy, said: “The community mobile x-ray service is designed and delivered in the most patient‑centred way possible, the service continues to strengthen integration across primary care, community services, residential care providers and acute hospitals.”
