A NEWLY appointed clinical nurse specialist (CNS) will be in post in Letterkenny University Hospital from next week.
The news comes as the oncology clinic at the hospital was cancelled for two weeks in a row, due to reduced staff changes and unexpected leave.
The cancellation of the clinic left many patients worried and frustrated. The clinic is to resume on Wednesday.
Deputy Pearse Doherty had sought assurances from hospital management about the resumption of the service.
The Sinn Féin TD said he was informed in a reply that a newly appointed Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) will be in post to support the service from Monday, November 8.
Deputy Doherty said Saolta advised him that the National Cancer Control Programme has provided funding for a second Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
“That job description has been finalised with the Nursing and Midwifery Development Unit and will be going to advertisement in the very near future.”
In addition, a Business Case submitted by the Service Manager for a third CNS post has been approved at the Local Employment Control Committee Meeting.
“I understand that this post is now being progressed from the recruitment approvals and advertising stages.
“I sincerely hope that these steps will rectify the issue and will prevent a recurrence of same going forward. Cancer patients in Donegal and elsewhere cannot be left in limbo or have their assessment and treatments delayed.
“What happened earlier this week was unacceptable and I will be reviewing the cancellations with LUH and Saolta management going forward.”
The news of the resuming of the oncology clinic has been welcomed by Anne Blair. Anne’s husband, Danny (66) recently had tumours in his lung and liver removed in the Mater Hospital in Dublin. But, the couple were left in limbo after the cancellation of two oncology clinics.
Anne, who is from Gaoth Dobhair, first spoke to the Donegal News last week to highlight her husband’s situation and to be an advocate for other families experiencing a similar situation.
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