THE Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Saolta University Health Care Group is to visit Letterkenny University Hospital in the coming days following the shock resignation of the hospital’s urologist.
Ann Cosgrove confirmed at the latest Regional Health Forum West meeting that Mr Asadulla Aslam, a consultant urologist at Letterkenny University Hospital, has resigned in the last number number of days.
She told the meeting she will meet with Hospital Manager Sean Murphy this week to set the wheels in motion for a replacement urologist as soon as is possible. It is understood Mr Aslam tendered his notice due to “impossible working conditions” he was under at the hospital, specifically “a lack of resources, reactive policies and onerous and impracticable on-call demands”.
Speaking at the meeting, Chair of Regional Health Forum West, Councillor Gerry McMonagle said Mr Aslam’s sudden departure from the hospital has left many patients and staff reeling.
Responding, Ms Cosgrove confirmed Mr Aslam had resigned from his post.
“He had actually gone on a period of sick leave for personal reasons and he has more recently resigned.”
Ms Cosgrove said two consultant urologists are currently employed at the hospital; one permanent urologist and a locum, who had been appointed to replace Dr Aslam’s special leave.
“It is the intention to retain the locum at the moment and re-advertise the permanent post and seek to recruit a replacement permanent appointee.”
Cllr McMonagle said he appreciated the update from Ms Cosgrove but added Mr Aslam’s resignation has been upsetting.
“I am sure it was a big shock to all the patients of Mr Aslam and the suddenness of it. I would hope we would have that replacement soon because we have enough delays in those types of services and it would give more confidence to the patients.”
Ms Cosgrove revealed she will be meeting with Mr Murphy imminently over the issue.
“We will be seeking to progress the replacement post as soon as possible.
“I am actually in Letterkenny later this week and will be discussing it with Sean (Murphy) but there are set processes that we have to go through even in relation to replacement posts but we will be activating those pretty immediately.”
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