Latest news with #LetterkennyUniversityHospital
BBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Letterkenny and Sligo: New surgical hubs proposed for hospitals
The minister for health in the Republic of Ireland has now backed the development of two new surgical hubs in the north west, insisting the decision is based on announcement comes after concerns were raised by some Donegal-based clinicians when the regional Health Service Executive (HSE) initially identified Sligo as the preferred location for a new surgical hub in the Jennifer Carroll MacNeill confirmed on Monday a second unit will also be developed at Letterkenny University Hospital and dismissed claims this decision was politically motivated. It remains unclear whether patients from Northern Ireland will be able to access services at either site once operational. "This is the right thing for Donegal - it is the right thing for the north west," the minister said. "From a data perspective and a planning perspective, this was simply the right decision."The investment at Letterkenny University Hospital will include the development of a new surgical hub, along with expanded cancer treatment Sligo, a new stand-alone surgical hub with two operating theatres will be constructed near the town's university MacNeill described the announcement as "an important milestone" in delivering improved care for patients at both said the projects would make "a real and lasting difference" to people's lives in the region and emphasised that increasing surgical capacity in both locations was a priority for the Irish government."These investments align with our Ambulatory Elective Day Care Strategy and the National Cancer Control Programme," Carroll MacNeill said."They will ensure that patients in the northwest have timely access to high-quality surgical and oncology care." Hope to be operational 'within two years' The minister visited Letterkenny University Hospital on Monday to make the announcement. "This was the right decision— not because of a series of meetings, but because, from a data perspective and from a future planning perspective, this was simply the right decision," Carroll MacNeill said. "It's not anything political - this is the right thing for Donegal - this is the right thing for the north west and I hope we'll see the benefits of these two surgical hubs which will deliver quicker surgeries for people in a very short time."Carroll MacNeill said she hoped both hubs would be operational within two years. Regional executive officer for HSE west and north west, Tony Canavan, said the new units could help reduce waiting lists for elective procedures in Donegal and Sligo, but said questions remained over staffing the facilities. "In Letterkenny, the hub we're proposing to develop will also include day beds for people receiving oncology treatments—15 brand new beds, along with 15 replacement beds," he explained."That will mean people from Donegal can receive their chemotherapy close to home and will be able to plan for that in the future as well."However, Mr Canavan cautioned that staffing the new units would be a "challenge".
Irish Times
4 days ago
- Irish Times
Donegal road remains closed in wake of two-car crash
A road where a two-car crash occurred yesterday in Co Donegal remains closed to allow for an examination by forensic investigators. Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to the collision on the N13 Letterkenny-to-Ballybofey road in the townland of Listillion, shortly after 5pm yesterday. The driver of one of the vehicles, a woman aged in her 60s, is being treated for life-threatening injuries at Letterkenny University Hospital. No other injuries were reported. The Garda Press Office indicated that diversions are still in place this morning. READ MORE Anyone who was on the N13 at Listillion between 4.50pm and 5.15pm who may have witnessed the crash should contact gardaí. Any road users who were travelling in the vicinity at the time, and who may have camera footage including dash cam, are asked to make this footage available to gardaí. Gardaí can be contacted at Letterkenny Garda station on 074 9167100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station. Investigations are ongoing.
Irish Independent
10-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Donegal man pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death of young mother of one
Sean Connaughton (54) appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court before Judge Roderick Maguire charged in relation to a road traffic collision at Townparks, Lifford on July 11, 2021. Connaughton pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving causing death, contrary to section 53 (1) of the Road Traffic Act. Laura Connolly, a 34-year-old female pedestrian from Lifford, was killed following a road traffic collision at around 2.45am. Ms Connolly, a mother of one, was taken by ambulance to Letterkenny University Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased. A large number of Ms Connolly's family were in the courtroom for the short arraignment. Connaughton spoke only to plead guilty to the charge. Defence barrister Peter Nolan BL, led by Colm Smyth, SC and instructed by solicitor Frank Dorrian said Connaughton had been on bail in relation to the matter for four years without any difficulty and had not come to the attention of gardaí. Mr Nolan requested a probation and welfare report while the court heard Connaughton has been attending his GP and a GP report was also requested. Mr Nolan acknowledged the impact of the incident on the family of the deceased, adding the incident had caused stress and anxiety for Connaughton and he requested a psychiatric report be carried out. Mr Nolan said Connaughton was a family man who has two children and was the 'breadwinner' of the family. State Prosecutor Ms Fiona Crawford said there was no objection to continuing bail. The court heard the case had been constantly on the list and the family of the deceased is anxious to have the matter dealt with as soon as possible. Judge Roderick Maguire approved the request for the reports. Judge Maguire explained there were ongoing delays in obtaining probation reports and the report may not be ready for the October sitting. Judge Maguire said given the nature of the case and the upset caused, he preferred if the case not on the list any more than necessary. The matter was adjourned to the October sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court. Judge Maguire also extended his sympathies to the family of the deceased who were present in court.
Irish Independent
03-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Fears Donegal hospital will be downgraded if rejected as location for surgical hub in favour of Sligo
The ongoing debate on Sligo University Hospital (SUH) being selected as the preferred option for a new surgical hub in the North West, with no consideration being given to Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH), was raised on Wednesday in the Dáil. 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.
Irish Times
21-06-2025
- Irish Times
Male pedestrian (60s) dies after being hit by tractor in Co Clare
A man in his 60s has died after he was hit by a tractor on the L7006 at Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge in Co Clare. Gardaí and emergency services responded to the crash which occurred shortly after 10.15am today. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. His body has been transferred to University Hospital Limerickand a postmortem will take place in due course. The coroner has been informed and an inquest is expected to take place at a later date. The road is currently closed to facilitate a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. Road users with any camera footage who were travelling in the area between 10am and 10.15am today are asked to make it available to gardaí. READ MORE Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ennis Garda station on 065 684 8100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. Meanwhile, a young boy is in a serious condition in hospital after he was hit by a car in Co Donegal last night. The child was walking in the village of Ramelton when he was struck on the R245 road to Letterkenny at around 6pm. The emergency services rushed to the scene and the boy was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital for immediate treatment. The boy's condition is not yet known. There is a large volume of traffic in Co Donegal this weekend for the Donegal International Rally which is taking place over three days from Friday to Sunday. However, it is not understood that this incident was directly related to the rally event itself.
