Donegal and Sligo Hospitals to get new surgical hubs
It comes as there had been concerns that a surgical hub would be located in Sligo only with Letterkenny being overlooked for the facility resulting in a possible downgrade of the hospital.
However, Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, has given her support to significant new investments in healthcare infrastructure for the North-West region, following a proposal from the CEO of the Health Service Executive (HSE), Bernard Gloster.
The proposal includes a new surgical hub close to Sligo University Hospital, while at Letterkenny University Hospital a new surgical hub is proposed along with expanded oncology services.
Speaking on the proposals, the Minister said, 'The Programme for Government committed to exploring the provision of a surgical hub for the North-West. I have consistently highlighted the need to ensure that patients in this region have access to sufficient and timely surgical capacity. Increasing surgical activity in the West and North-West is a clear priority.
'Today marks an important milestone in delivering on that commitment, and I am happy to support this proposal from the HSE.
"I know Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer, HSE West and North West, and his team will now begin progressing these proposals, working closely with hospital management, clinical specialties, and the estates team to advance the design phase, secure planning permission, and prepare for tendering the construction works.
'These investments align with our Ambulatory Elective Day Care Strategy and the National Cancer Control Programme. They will ensure that patients in the North-West have timely access to high-quality surgical and oncology care.
'I look forward to returning to see the progress of these developments, which will make a real and lasting difference to people's lives in the region,' said Minister Carroll MacNeill.
Letterkenny University Hospital will see the development of a new two-theatre surgical hub beside the existing hospital building, along with the addition of 30 ambulatory day oncology chairs – 15 new and 15 replacement.
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This dual investment will enhance both surgical and cancer treatment services in Donegal.
The design of the new surgical hub will allow for future vertical expansion, addressing the long-term need for additional bed capacity in the region.
To support this, a full Development Control Plan (DCP) for the Letterkenny University Hospital site will be commissioned to guide the sequencing of future developments.
The HSE will now proceed with the development of planning applications for both sites, engaging with relevant local authorities, which will be prepared in parallel, ensuring a coordinated and efficient rollout of these critical healthcare projects.
A new stand-alone, two-theatre surgical hub will be constructed in Sligo.
This facility will significantly expand elective surgical capacity in the region. Drawing on the successful models already in place at Tallaght and Mount Carmel in Dublin, the hub will help reduce waiting times and improve access to scheduled surgical care.
Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, of a new surgical hub for Letterkenny University Hospital.
Welcoming the announcement, Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, said: 'The proposal to develop a new two-theatre surgical hub beside Letterkenny University Hospital building, along with the addition of 30 ambulatory day oncology chairs - 15 new and 15 replacement – is excellent news for the people of Donegal.
"The investment will serve to improve surgical and cancer services in the county.'
'I have stressed to the HSE that Donegal must be provided with its own surgical hub.
"I have worked closely at political level in Government to ensure that a surgical hub will be delivered for Letterkenny and I thank the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, for her help and assistance.
"I also welcome the announcement that patients in the North West will have access to high-quality surgical and oncology care,' Minister McConalogue added.
Donegal Deputy Pádraig MacLochlainn welcomed the news that a second Surgical Hub will be located in the North West at Letterkenny University Hospital along with expanded oncology services, with the other one being at Sligo University Hospital.
Speaking today, Deputy MacLochlainn said, "This u-turn by government is the most welcome of news this morning and shows the impact political pressure can have.
"It was unthinkable that the locating of regional Surgical Hubs across the country would not include one being located at Letterkenny University Hospital.
"This is testament to the hard work of all that campaigned, particularly the 171 doctors and clinicians who stood up and fought for fairness for the people of Donegal. Without whom, this would not have been possible.
"Forcing a u-turn on this issue was a priority for myself and Sinn Féin colleagues Deputy Pearse Doherty and Cllr Gerry McMonagle, chair of the HSE Regional Health Forum West.
"It is hard to put into words just how badly needed this expansion of services was. It will save lives and ensure the future of Letterkenny University Hospital.
"There is still work to be done, but this is an enormous step taken today to improve Letterkenny University Hospital and healthcare in Donegal,' said Deputy MacLochlainn.
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