THREE outstanding nurses/midwives from Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) have been acknowledged for the meaningful difference they make in the their patients’ lives. At a ceremony in the hospital last week Ann Browne, Ann McLaughlin and Brenda Sandilands were chosen to receive a “DAISY Award” after being nominated by co-workers and patients. The DAISY award is […]
Workload pressures leading to blood test delays
by Louise Doyle CONCERNS have emerged of significant delays in processing blood tests at Letterkenny University Hospital. It comes after Donegal GPs have been informed of backlogs. Advertisement Sinn Féin election candidate for the Donegal LEA, Linda Boyle, said she has been made aware that the lab in LUH that processes blood tests has informed GPs of […]
Man who fell asleep in Letterkenny hospital is fined
A RATHMULLAN man was convicted and fined €100 when his case came before the District Court in Letterkenny last week. Oliver Shovlin (44) of Clondallow admitted being intoxicated at Letterkenny University Hospital on February 29. He was taken to Letterkenny Garda Station and the court heard he was compliant at all times. Advertisement Solicitor for […]
Hospital workers hold vigil in solidarity with Gaza colleagues
BY JEROME HUGHES HEALTHCARE workers attached to Letterkenny University Hospital are demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to allow for the delivery of food, water and life-saving medication. Members of the public joined with the workers this week to hold a vigil outside the hospital to honour doctors, nurses and paramedics who have been killed […]
LUH has half the number of ICU beds that it needs
by Louise Doyle CONCERN has been raised that Letterkenny University Hospital has half the number of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds that it needs. The hospital currently has six funded ICU beds and presently operates four surgical High Dependency Unit (HDU) beds. Advertisement The detail came to light at the recent meeting of Regional Health Forum […]
More than 550 delayed hospital discharges
by Louise Doyle THERE were more than 500 delayed discharges from Letterkenny University Hospital last year because of a lack of step down availability or home care provision. In all, 552 discharges were delayed at LUH in 2023. Advertisement The figure was provided to Cllr Gerry Crawford at the latest Regional Health Forum West meeting, when […]
Children witnessing ‘trauma’ at LUH’s emergency department – claim
by Louise Doyle CHILDREN are witnessing ‘trauma’ while attending the emergency department of Letterkenny University Hospital because of significant levels of overcrowding. That was the stark concern aired this week at a meeting of Regional Health Forum West, when an update on the timeframe for the delivery of a new extension to increase capacity of the hospital’s emergency […]
‘My husband and my kids have got me back’
LETTERKENNY WOMAN’S AMAZING WEIGHT-LOSS STORY By Dionne Meehan LETTERKENNY woman Julie Gorman is urging those considering weight loss surgery to get it done locally instead of travelling abroad where treatments are also available. Advertisement Miserable and overweight, Julie decided to take action in 2022 for health reasons and concerns surrounding a family history of heart […]
Bill of €26m for LUH agency staff
by Louise Doyle THE spending of more than €26 million over a three-year period on agency staff for Letterkenny University Hospital while a HSE recruitment embargo is in place has been branded as “unbelievable”. Member of Regional Health Forum, West Cllr Gerry McMonagle told the Donegal News that it “beggars belief” that such an amount of money […]
Extremely busy weekend at emergency department
by Louise Doyle ALMOST 340 patients attended Letterkenny University Hospital’s Emergency Department between Bank Holiday Monday and yesterday. The hospital is also currently managing a Covid-19 outbreak which is affecting one ward. Advertisement Figures provided to the Donegal News show 128 people attended LUH’s emergency department on bank Holiday Monday. There were 159 attendances on […]