Latest news with #BernardGloster
The Journal
2 days ago
- Health
- The Journal
Win for Donegal as Health Minister greenlights Letterkenny surgical hub alongside Sligo one
IN A SURPRISE move, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has backed the creation of two new surgical hubs for the North West, one in Sligo town and one in Letterkenny, Donegal. It comes following a proposal from HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster, which 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. Just last month, the understanding was that HSE management in the North West had chosen Sligo as the preferred option for the new surgical hub for the region, leading to outcry from medical professionals in Donegal. Under the plans, a new stand-alone, two-theatre surgical hub will be built in Sligo, which the Department of Health says will significantly expand elective surgical capacity in the region. Meanwhile, in Letterkenny, a new two-theatre surgical hub will be built beside the existing hospital building, along with the addition of 30 ambulatory day oncology chairs – 15 new and 15 replacement. Advertisement This dual investment will enhance both surgical and cancer treatment services in Donegal, the Department says. The design of the new hub will be done in a way to allow for future expansion and the addition of increased bed capacity in the region. The HSE will now proceed with the development of planning applications for both sites, engaging with relevant local authorities. Both applications will be prepared in parallel to ensure a coordinated and efficient rollout of both projects Commenting on the announcement, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said the Programme for Government committed to exploring the provision of a surgical hub for the North-West. 'Today marks an important milestone in delivering on that commitment, and I am happy to support this proposal from the HSE.' She added: 'I know Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer, HSE West 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.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Donegal and Sligo Hospitals to get new surgical hubs
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill will visit Letterkenny today to make the announcement having already given the good news in Sligo early this morning on a visit to Sligo University Hospital. 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. ADVERTISEMENT 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.
Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
HSE paid supplier €723,000 twice in 2021 and has not recovered overpayment
The HSE paid a supplier €723,000 twice and has not recovered the overpayment according to the State auditor. The double payment was made by two different areas of the HSE on separate financial systems operating in December 2021, which was not cross-checked. The Comptroller and Auditor General Seamus McCarthy said the HSE disclosed the payment and set out actions to avoid such a situation in the future. "The HSE acknowledges there were weaknesses in controls, particularly, in relation to appropriate goods receipting protocols," Mr McCarthy said in an assessment attached to the HSE's annual report and financial statements for 2024. "The statement on internal control sets out the actions taken by the Health Service Executive to avoid similar circumstances recurring in the future." He said a single integrated financial system, which was due to go live at the start of this month, would "significantly reduce the risk of this kind of overpayment occurring in the future". Mr McCarthy also highlighted that €4.1 million due to the HSE was lost last year by missing deadlines by which it could claim charges for patients covered by a health insurer. A memorandum of agreement with the health insurer in 2016 sees the HSE paid 70 per cent of its charges for a patient stay, on account, if it makes its submission and validation within a 12-month period of a fully completed claim. If it does not meet that deadline, it must pay for all of the costs. "For a sample of eight hospitals examined on audit, it was noted that losses incurred in 2024 as a result of delays in submitting completed claims amounted to €2 million," Mr McCarthy said. "The Executive estimates that losses for the remaining hospitals it manages were €2.1 million, resulting in an estimated total loss of €4.1 million for 2024." The HSE's annual report indicated there was a 10 per cent reduction in the number of people waiting on trolleys in emergency departments last year. Over 108,000 people were recorded on trolleys in emergency departments last year, amid an 8 per cent increase in the total number of people attending and a rise of 7 per cent in admissions to emergency departments. HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster said one of the most "challenging" aspects for the HSE was wait times for healthcare, and said tackling "unacceptably long" waits in emergency departments was an area of focus. HSE CEO Bernard Gloster (Image: Gareth Chaney/Collins) The HSE annual report for 2024 analyses the health service's performance and health trends among Irish people. "Addressing waiting lists for scheduled care and unacceptably long waits in emergency departments (EDs) remains a priority focus area, especially for older people and those with complex needs," Mr Gloster said in the foreword. "My plan for 2025 is to continue to bring trolley numbers down and to improve how our health and social care system works across seven days to allow consistent access to care." Requests for assessments of need for children spiked by 26 per cent last year compared to a year previous, and were 33 per cent above expected demand in 2024. There were 8,400 such requests in 2023 and more than 10,600 in 2024, in figures which had previously been shared by Children's Minister Norma Foley in the Dail. Norma Foley (Image: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos) Although there was a slight uptake on the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine compared to the previous year, the 89.9 per cent figure was below the target for 2024. The chairman of the HSE's board, Ciaran Devane, said in an introductory statement to the report that Ireland's population is ageing "faster than that of any other country in the EU". Since 2015, the number of people aged 65 years and over has increased by 37 per cent. Although life expectancy in Ireland, at 82.6 years, is ahead of the EU average, the burden of cancer is higher and accounts for a quarter of all deaths of those aged over 65. Mr Gloster, who is to step down from his role in March 2026, said 2024 was a year of "real progress". "We reduced the number of people waiting on trolleys by over 10 per cent, expanded community services and improved access to scheduled care with an additional 24,000 patients seen within target timeframes. "Our focus in 2025 will be to build on this momentum, improve patient flow and continue to reform how care is delivered across seven days." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
BreakingNews.ie
5 days ago
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Number of people waiting on trolleys in emergency department down by 10%
There was a 10 per cent reduction in the number of people waiting on trolleys in emergency departments last year, according to the latest HSE annual report. Over 108,000 people were recorded on trolleys in emergency departments last year, according to HSE figures, which represents a reduction. Advertisement The fall was recorded amid an 8 per cent increase in people attending and a rise of 7 per cent in admissions to emergency departments. HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster said one of the most 'challenging' aspects for the HSE was wait times for healthcare, and said tackling 'unacceptably long' waits in emergency departments was an area of focus. The HSE annual report for 2024 analyses the health service's performance and health trends among Irish people. It outlined a 4.6 [er cent improvement in the number of outpatients seen within 10 weeks and a 5.5 per cent increase in the number of inpatients and day case patients seen within 12 weeks. Advertisement 'Addressing waiting lists for scheduled care and unacceptably long waits in emergency departments (EDs) remains a priority focus area, especially for older people and those with complex needs,' Mr Gloster said in the foreword. 'My plan for 2025 is to continue to bring trolley numbers down and to improve how our health and social care system works across seven days to allow consistent access to care.' Requests for assessments of need for children spiked by 26 per cent last year compared to a year previous, and were 33 per cent above expected demand in 2024 There were 8,400 such requests in 2023 and more than 10,600 in 2024, in figures which had previously been shared by Children's Minister Norma Foley in the Dáil. Advertisement Although there was a slight uptake on the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine compared to the previous year, the 89.9 per cent figure was below the target for 2024. The chairman of the HSE's board, Ciaran Devane, said in an introductory statement to the report that Ireland's population is ageing 'faster than that of any other country in the EU'. Since 2015, the number of people aged 65 years and over has increased by 37 per cent. Although life expectancy in Ireland, at 82.6 years, is ahead of the EU average, the burden of cancer is higher and accounts for a quarter of all deaths of those aged over 65. Advertisement Ireland Organised €14 million 'darknet' crypto crime trial... Read More Mr Gloster, who is to step down from his role in March 2026, said 2024 was a year of 'real progress'. 'We reduced the number of people waiting on trolleys by over 10 per cent, expanded community services and improved access to scheduled care with an additional 24,000 patients seen within target timeframes. 'Our focus in 2025 will be to build on this momentum, improve patient flow and continue to reform how care is delivered across seven days.'
Irish Times
22-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
‘Constructive' talks take place between Minister and disability service providers, says department
Talks between Minister for Disability Norma Foley and service providers on problems faced by the sector have been described as 'constructive'. The Department of Disability said that the meeting on Tuesday formed part of ongoing engagement. Organisations providing specialist disability services have been concerned for some time about funding for the sector. The Irish Times reported in May that more than two dozen bodies providing services to tens of thousands of people warned there was 'an extreme risk' to their ability to expand services or, in many cases, sustain existing operations. [ Disability service providers warn of 'extreme risk' to operations and ability to expand Opens in new window ] In an unprecedented joint letter to Health Service Executive chief Bernard Gloster , the chairmen/women of 26 voluntary disability service providers – voluntary public service organisations and voluntary grant-aided bodies – said their ability to deliver existing services and meet the needs in their communities was under threat. READ MORE The letter said many organisations were facing such acute financial situations that their boards were 'concerned they may be in breach of the reckless trading provisions of the Companies Act'. The department said on Tuesday that Ms Foley, in conjunction with the HSE, had 'had a constructive meeting with disability services organisations ... and further engagements will be arranged over the coming weeks/months.' Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the issue of disability is a top priority for his Government. However, while the amount of money allocated for specialist disability services has grown by €1.6 billion since 2020, the Government has recognised that some providers are experiencing 'funding, operational and governance challenges'. The letter sent to the HSE in May said that boards of public service disability organisations were 'having to operate in crisis mode'.
