Fears Donegal hospital will be downgraded if rejected as location for surgical hub in favour of Sligo
It comes as Minister for State, Deputy Harkin stated on Highland Radio that the location of the surgical hub in Sligo was decided as part of a deal made during negotiations on the Programme for Government to secure support from the Independent TDs.
Speaking on Highland Radio, Minister Harkin said, 'One of the things I was insistent on was that we had, what then was in the HSE business plan, described as a surgical hub for Sligo and I still support that.'
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has said no decision has been made on the location of the surgical hub.
HSE West and North West has submitted a business case supporting the implementation of a North West Surgical Hub.
Within the business case, a greenfield site owned by the HSE in Sligo has been identified as a potential development location for a hub.
However, Consultants and General Practitioners from Donegal have met with the Minister for Health to discuss Letterkenny University Hospital and the positioning of the surgical hub in the North West.
The doctors believe that based on geography, population and demographics, day case numbers, staffing numbers and a range of other key metrics, the surgical hub should be at LUH.
Speaking in the Dáil, Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty said if the surgical hub is located in Sligo, LUH is at risk of losing the accident and emergency department and maternity services while the hospital could be downgraded to a model three hospital.
'We have heard from an unprecedented number of doctors, surgeons and consultants in Letterkenny hospital and they have told us that without the surgical hub there, they are at serious risk of losing accident and emergency services and maternity services within a short period.
ADVERTISEMENT
"That is why they and all the politicians in Donegal have come together and made it very clear that we need to see a surgical hub delivered in Letterkenny.
"This would not be to the detriment of Sligo – we believe the north-west region has been left behind for far too long – but there has to be a location in Letterkenny,' said Deputy Doherty.
Deputy Doherty called on the government to come clean and questioned if the Department ascertained whether there was any 'secret deal' in respect of the location of the surgical hub.
'That is news to us, the TDs who sat across the table from the Minister for about an hour and a half making the case for the surgical hub because the Minister will eventually be the person who decides on the location.
"It is news to us, having sat repeatedly in meetings with the HSE arguing the toss about why the surgical hub should be in Letterkenny.
"I am sure it was news to the 160-plus surgeons, consultants and doctors who signed the letter making very reasonable medical arguments for the locations.
'I want the Minister of State to come. That clarity is needed,' said Deputy Doherty.
Deputy Pádraig MacLochlainn said the Donegal TDs are not asking for special treatment but are asking that citizens do not have to travel long distances for care that should be provided in their own community.
'We are asking that our emergency services not be allowed to collapse and that we have the necessary number of surgeons and consultants in Letterkenny University Hospital.
"If there is to be only one surgical hub for the north-west region, a huge region extending from the top of Donegal down into Roscommon, I imagine, and that hub is not in Letterkenny, it will be a disaster for County Donegal and our services.
"Those are not my words but those of the consultants.'
Deputy MacLochlainn also raised that the number of permanent surgeons at LUH has reduced from six to three in a short period of time.
"We cannot attract the level of surgeons we need.
"If the Minister decides the surgical hub for the Northwest is in one place, Sligo, it is just a death knell.
"It is extremely serious. I have never seen 171 doctors, consultants and GPs, sign a letter. I do not know anywhere in this State where this has happened.
"That is how serious this is.
"I will reiterate that we are not playing the game of divide and conquer.
"Sligo, the north-west, Donegal and all of us deserve this.
"There is an absolute unique case now for a surgical hub in Letterkenny and Sligo to be delivered at exactly the same time to have the quality of services our people deserve, to protect what we have and to protect our emergency services,' said Deputy MacLochlainn.
Speaking on behalf of the government, Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth, Deputy Michael Moynihan said no decision has yet been made on the location of the north-west surgical hub.
"The Minister is taking time to consider and understand the situation in Donegal.
"This includes engagement with local representatives, doctors and consultants.
"I know she was due to meet some of them last night. She remains committed to positively engaging with everyone who is interested in delivering the best healthcare for the people of Donegal.'
Deputy Moynihan said the Government is committed to the ongoing development of the hospital and has allocated significant resources to meet the needs of patients there, including an increase in the hospital's budget by 57% over the last five years.
"I will take the points the Deputies raised back to the Department and seek clarification for them,' said Deputy Moynihan.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Agriland
17 hours ago
- Agriland
HSE advises public not to touch sick or dead wild birds
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is advising the public not to touch or handle any sick or dead wild birds, because of the risks of avian influenza (bird flu). The warning follows confirmation from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) that bird flu had been discovered in a backyard flock in Co. Donegal. There are no trade implications for the Irish poultry industry in relation to this detection, due to the very small size of the flock. Bird flu is a type of influenza that primarily affects wild birds and poultry, and which can also occasionally infect some mammals and humans. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a type of avian influenza that can cause high levels of illness and deaths in birds. Of the many strains of HPAI viruses, the H5N1 virus is widely regarded as the most serious for both birds and humans. Since 2003, there have been nearly 1,000 human cases of H5N1, half of whom have died. According to the HSE it is "very unusual for people to catch bird flu, but it can happen". "Currently, it is hard to catch avian influenza from a bird or animal, and there is no evidence that it can be passed between people, but if the virus mutates (changes) this may happen in the future," the executive said. As the H5N1 HPAI virus is circulating in wild birds in Ireland, the HSE is reiterating the advice issued by DAFM to the public, including: Do not to touch sick or dead wild birds; Do not touch wild bird feathers or droppings; Avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings; DAFM requests that all sick/dead wild birds are reported via the Avian Check app. While not all dead birds will be collected for testing, reporting is greatly appreciated and provides important information to support surveillance and risk assessment activities. The HSE added that if a person picks up or handles sick or dead wild birds that are found to be infected with avian influenza, they will be monitored for a period of 10 days. The person may be offered antiviral medication and vaccination if they are considered to be at risk.
Agriland
a day ago
- Agriland
Bird flu case detected in Donegal backyard flock
Avian influenza, otherwise known as 'bird flu' has been discovered in a backyard flock in Co. Donegal. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has today (Thursday, July 31) confirmed that there are no trade implications for the Irish poultry industry in relation to this detection, due to the very small size of the flock. Minister Heydon said: 'A bird from a very small backyard flock in Co. Donegal has tested positive for the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza, following a post-mortem examination carried out in my department's Regional Veterinary Laboratory in Sligo. "Following this result, the other birds in the flock have now been euthanised. I would like to extend my sympathies to the flock owner.' Moving to reassure poultry farmers and the Irish poultry industry, Minister Heydon stated: 'As this flock was very small and was not involved in commercial poultry activity, under the legislation this incident is not an outbreak of avian influenza. "Therefore, this does not affect Ireland's disease-free status in respect of avian influenza and there are no trade implications or restriction zones," the minister added. He has emphasised the importance of biosecurity as the single most effective way to prevent the virus spreading from wild birds into poultry, or between poultry flocks. "This incident highlights the ongoing risk posed by avian influenza and is a reminder to all who keep poultry, whether commercial holdings or those who have some backyard hens, to stay aware and take precautions to prevent contact with or contamination from wild birds," Minister Heydon said. People are advised to report any suspicions of avian influenza to the local Regional Veterinary Office without delay. In recent weeks, there have been a number of cases of avian influenza detected in wild birds in Ireland, mainly sea birds in coastal areas. In 2025, a total of 41 cases of avian influenza in wild birds have been detected. The minister has reiterated the importance of taking precautions to protect public health: 'I have a clear message for the public, especially for those who may encounter dead birds on beaches this summer - do not touch or pick up dead wild birds, and keep pet dogs on a leash in areas where there are sick or dead wild birds.' The HSE-HPSC has advised that the risk to public health from the strain of avian influenza currently circulating (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza subtype H5N1) is considered low for the general public, and low to medium for occupationally exposed people.
Agriland
2 days ago
- Agriland
Investigation Ongoing as One Person Confirmed Dead with Listeriosis Fsai
One person has died from a listeriosis infection according to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). The infection is usually acquired as a result of eating contaminated food. The Health Service Executive (HSE) is currently investigating the death of the adult. The HSE said that nine confirmed cases of listeriosis have now been identified in Ireland since yesterday (Tuesday, July 22) and that a National Outbreak Control Team is currently investigating the "extensive outbreak of listeriosis". According to the FSAI "a voluntary precautionary food recall of ready-to-heat meals is underway due to a link with the outbreak". The FSAI has issued several recall notices on more than 140 prepared meals and side dishes produced by Ballymaguire Foods "due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes". These meals and side dishes include certain products for Tesco, Supervalu, Centra, Aldi, the Happy Pear and other brands. The FSAI has published a full list of the recalled products on its website and has requested retailers 'to remove the implicated products from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale'. It has also advised wholesalers/distributors to contact their affected customers and recall the implicated products and provide a point-of-sale recall notice to their retailer customers. Caterers should not use the implicated products, the FSAI added. It has highlighted that symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes infection can 'include mild flu-like symptoms, or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea'. 'In rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications,' the FSAI stated. In a statement issued today (Wednesday, July 23) Ballymaguire Foods said it had 'initiated a full precautionary recall of all products produced at one of our facilities following the identification of listeria bacteria as part of a quality control check'. It stated: 'Incidents of this nature are extremely rare for us. We are treating it with the utmost seriousness and are working closely with all parties to manage the situation swiftly and responsibly. 'Immediately upon identifying the issue, we informed our retail and foodservice customers and engaged with all relevant authorities, including the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), the Health Service Executive (HSE), and our regional Environmental Health Officer. 'Through our retail partners, all products are being withdrawn from the shelves, and a full consumer communication process is underway.' The company has also detailed it made the decision on Saturday (July 19) to temporarily suspend all production at the affected facility. 'Our internal team, supported by independent external experts, conducted a comprehensive assessment and implemented immediate corrective actions. 'These included a full pharmaceutical-grade clean down of the facility. In consultation with the relevant statutory bodies and our customers, we will resume production once it is confirmed safe to do so. 'We sincerely apologise to our customers and consumers for the concern this may cause,' Ballymaguire Foods stated.
