Long waits at busy Letterkenny emergency department


Letterkenny University Hospital is advising that the Emergency Department is very busy and management have apologised for the long waiting times. There is ongoing pressure on bed availability in the hospital and as a result patients are facing long delays being admitted from the Emergency Department to a bed on a ward. There are currently […]


‘The younger lads in their forties fly about the place’


A LETTERKENNY football legend continues to show the youngsters how it is done on the playing field. Brian Ferry, who celebrates his sixtieth birthday this weekend, played for Letterkenny Rovers for more than a decade before giving younger players a chance. Ferry – dubbed ‘Letterkenny’s Glenn Hoddle’ – was part of the Rovers team that […]


HSE asks people waiting on Covid tests to be patient


THE HSE is asking people to be patient as they work through the large volume of referrals for PCR tests. The Omicron variant is generating unprecedented demand for SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing both in Ireland and across Europe. As a result, the HSE has vastly increased its testing capacity to respond to the spread of disease […]


Hospital visitors will be asked to show covid jab proof


VISITORS at Letterkenny University Hospital will have to show proof of their Covid-19 vaccine as new rules are introduced in an attempt to reduce the spread of the virus. Following new national guidance on visiting, visitors to all hospitals will be asked to produce their EU Digital COVID Certificate or HSE COVID-19 Vaccination Record or […]


Over half promised hospital beds yet to be delivered


MORE than half of the hospital beds promised in the Health Service Executive’s service plan for Letterkenny University Hospital this year have yet to be delivered. Of the 39 acute beds that were promised in the HSE’s winter plan, 16 are open and it will be February, at the earliest, before the remaining 23 beds […]


Apology for cancer clinic cancellation


THE Saolta University Health Care Group has apologised to patients affected by the cancellation of two oncology clinics at Letterkenny University Hospital last month. The Chief Executive of the Group said it was “not good enough” and admitted that patients “didn’t get the service they deserved”. Addressing members of the Regional Health Forum via Zoom […]


Saolta to meet NHS this week


HEALTH Care Group Saolta will meet NHS Scotland this week to discuss bringing an independent external team over to review management and governance at Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH).  Speaking to the Donegal News ahead of the meeting Saolta CEO Tony Canavan said the move to bring in a team from the UK shows how seriously […]


Concern as Covid-19 cases rise in hospitals


A concerning increase in Covid-19 cases have been detected in community hospitals and nursing homes in Donegal over the past number of weeks. While immunisation levels across the sector are among the highest in the State, Dr Anthony Breslin, Public Health Specialist for Donegal, confirmed that the outbreaks have led to hospital admissions. He added […]


‘Recruitment problems for LUH posts to get worse’


RECRUITMENT of consultants in Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) is difficult in the best of times but, as a result of the proposed Sláintecare contract, it may become even worse. Mr Peter O’Rourke, retired consultant orthopaedic surgeon, believes the proposed contract will lead to further vacant consultant posts, more trainees emigrating on completion of training, longer […]