HOSPITAL-LED cancellations of orthopaedic procedures at Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) have increased significantly, with capacity pressures identified as the main driver.
At yesterday’s meeting of the Regional Health Forum West, it was revealed that 210 orthopaedic procedures were cancelled by the hospital in 2025, compared with 73 cancellations in 2024.
In comparison, last year only 5 cancellations were made by patients or on behalf of patients.
The figures were released following a question tabled by Cllr Gerry McMonagle.
In response, the HSE said the hospital-led cancellations occurred during periods when LUH was operating under escalation status and at full capacity.
Dermot Monaghan, Integrated Health Area Manager in Donegal, explained that a directive issued at the start of the year meant only time-critical and cancer surgeries were carried out in order to maintain patient flow during periods of high Emergency Department attendances and overcrowding.
“There was a directive to the hospital at the start of the year that only time critical and cancer surgeries were performed to allow for patient flow when the Emergency Department was experiencing high numbers of attendances and overcrowding,” Mr Monaghan said.
The HSE also confirmed that 1,808 patients are currently awaiting orthopaedic surgery at LUH, covering both day case and inpatient procedures.
Of those waiting, 654 patients have been waiting less than three months, while a further 650 have been waiting up to six months.
More than 100 patients are now waiting over a year for treatment.