Latest news with #LetterkennyUniversityHospital
Irish Examiner
12 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Doctors write to health minister over 'deeply damaging' decision on northwest surgical hub
A group of 170 doctors in Donegal have written to the health minister, saying not awarding a new surgical hub to the county is 'flawed, unjustified, and deeply damaging' for patients. Plans to build surgical hubs nationally were first announced in December 2022, with an 18-month turnaround time predicted. However, so far only one of the six has opened, with funding allocated for hubs in Cork, Waterford, and Limerick. A location for the northwest hub has not yet been named, but it has recently emerged this is likely set for Sligo and not Donegal. Now, GPs and hospital doctors have called on health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to meet with them and hear the arguments against that decision. Dr Padraig McGuinness said the decision ignores the reality of local geography. 'Donegal has a larger population than the combined areas of Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal, and Cavan,' he said. Many of our patients would face round trips of five hours or more to access elective surgical care in Sligo. That's unacceptable and dangerous. He added: "This isn't just about a building or a budget line. It's about whether Donegal patients are treated as equals in our health system. Right now, they're not.' Pressures on Letterkenny hospital are a key reason why they need the hub, argued Dr Louise Moran, consultant in intensive care and anaesthetics. "Patients in Donegal already face some of the worst cancer survival rates in the country due to late presentation and access issues,' she warned. 'To bypass Letterkenny again is not only medically indefensible, it's a direct hit on patient safety and regional equality.' Letterkenny is often among the most overcrowded hospitals in the country as recorded by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. The hubs are seen as a central part of plans to tackle overcrowding. Each is expected to deliver 10,000 day case surgeries and minor procedures, and 18,500 outpatient consultations every year. Plans by the HSE to instead offer Letterkenny an ambulatory care centre for outpatients are seen by this group of doctors as 'an inadequate substitute lacking ring-fenced funding, staffing plans, or timelines.' Consultant general surgeon Michael Sugrue said: 'We need real surgical infrastructure, not vague promises'. He warned of the long-term impact for recruitment at Letterkenny University Hospital. Without adequate surgical resources, we simply cannot attract or retain the consultants we need. "This decision risks the future of general surgery in Donegal and the long-term viability of LUH as a Model 3 hospital,' he said. They called for an evidence-based review of the HSE's plans to locate the hub in Sligo. In April HSE regional executive officer Tony Canavan said a proposal to build a surgical hub linked to Sligo hospital has been submitted. "We've identified a site for it that will be considered by the HSE senior leadership team in mid-May and then to the board of the HSE at the end of May,' he told RTÉ News.
BreakingNews.ie
3 days ago
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Woman (70s) dies after two-vehicle collision in Co Donegal
A woman has died following a two-vehicle collision in Co Donegal on Friday night. The incident happened on the R245 at Bunlin Bridge in Milford. Advertisement A female driver, aged in her 70s, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her body has been removed to Letterkenny University Hospital where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course. The driver of the van, a man in his 50s, was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital for treatment of non life-threatening injuries. There were no other injuries reported. The road remains closed at this time pending examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. Local diversions are in place. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 7.15pm and 7.45pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milford Garda Station on (074) 9153060, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Gardaí say investigations are ongoing.
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Drowning of two teenagers remains an ‘open wound', funeral is told
The funeral of Matt Sibanda heard that the 18-year-old was 'undeniably wise and good beyond his years'. Matt, originally from Zimbabwe, died in the incident earlier this month along with Emmanuel Familola, 16, originally from Nigeria. They had been playing football when they went into the sea after a ball and got into difficulty. Matt's body was recovered from Lough Swilly while Emmanuel was rescued and taken to Letterkenny University Hospital, where he died. Both teenagers had been living with their families in separate international protection centres in Buncrana. Buncrana Parish Priest Father Francis Bradley told the funeral at St Mary's Oratory on Saturday that members of Matt's family had travelled to Ireland for the funeral to support his mother Bonnie. He said: 'Over the past three weeks there has been a lot of visiting going on locally. 'Especially in the light of the tragic events, the tragic deaths of Matt Sibanda and his good friend Emmanuel Familola. 'The events of the afternoon of May 10 last will remain with us for a long time. 'While some distance has been drawn now from those terrible moments, the loss of Matt and Emmanuel is still an open wound, a sore blow for all of us, but most especially for their grieving families. 'We are all struggling still to come to terms with the loss, still speechless at the suddenness of it, still heartbroken at the enormity of it. 'While the world has moved on in some respects, we are nevertheless still numbed by the sadness of what happened.' He added: 'From his earliest days in Zimbabwe through to his time here in Buncrana, Matt has always been recognised for his quiet but sociable presence, his smiling face and his great ability to always listen and respond with a deeply respectful and generous heart. 'In the building which became his home since his arrival here in late 2023, Matt was the eldest child and with his great gifts and talents, particularly the respect he showed to everyone, but most especially to his mother, he became a natural leader, a first among equals. 'He was undeniably wise and good beyond his years with an ability to sit with other children reading, debating and learning with great enthusiasm, always curious to know a little more. 'His surname Sibanda means lion. Our new Pope has taken the name Leo, which also means lion. 'Both Leo and Matt Sibanda shared something important in common, as well as their Catholic faith, their ability to listen to all sides of the debate, never judging, but helping all sides to reach a better solution. 'All of this stemmed from a profound respect for his mother. He always listened to her and he never, ever spoke back to her, even once, throughout his 18 years. 'A man of few words, a good and kind boy, a humble kid.'
The Journal
3 days ago
- The Journal
'A good and kind boy': Funeral of Buncrana drowning victim Matt Sibanda takes place
A YOUNG MAN who died in a double-drowning tragedy off the Co Donegal coast has been remembered for his quiet but sociable presence, smiling face and ability to always listen and respond with a deeply respectful and generous heart. Matt Sibanda, 18, was laid to rest following his funeral mass at St Mary's Oratory in Buncrana today. He was due to begin sitting his Leaving Certificate exams in the coming days at Crana College in Buncrana. It is two weeks to the day since Matt's friend, Emmanuel Familola, 16, was also laid to rest in the same church after the pair perished in the same tragedy in Lough Swilly. Both young men were understood to be trying to retrieve a ball from the water while swimming during the recent good spell of weather off Buncrana on May 10th. Another friend who also got into difficulty managed to swim ashore. Matt's body was found hours after he went missing following a huge search by the emergency services and local volunteer vessels. His friend Emmanuel was plucked from the sea earlier in the day and rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital but tragically passed away a few hours later. Emmanuel was laid to rest on May 17th. However, Matt's funeral was delayed until today to allow family members travel from their native Zimbabwe. Included among the traveling group was Matt's beloved grandmother Josephine. Earlier this week, Matt's family traveled to the scene of the tragedy to see where their beloved son, brother and grandson died. A small ritual took place at the pier which was overseen by Matt's grandmother in her role as head of the family so they could release his soul and allow him to go to heaven. A large crowd attended today's funeral to say a final farewell to the young man who had carved out a special place in the heart of the local community despite his short time there. As well as Matt's beloved mother Bonnie, his brother Thembalethu and sisters Modest and Sandy, were present to say a final farewell to the young man who have played such a huge part in all their lives. Before Matt's mass began, a member of Matt's family thanked the local community for their support and friendship for the family since Matt's tragic passing. Fr Francis Bradley, parish priest, said Matt was undeniably wise and good beyond his years. Advertisement He said 'From his earliest days in Zimbabwe through to his time here in Buncrana, Matt has always been recognised for his quiet but sociable presence, his smiling face and his ability to always listen and respond with a deeply respectful and generous heart. 'In the Old HSE Building which became his home since his arrival here in late 2023, Matt was the eldest child, and with his great gifts and talents, particularly the respect he showed to everyone but most especially to his mother, he became a natural leader – a first among equals. 'He was undeniably wise and good beyond his years with an ability to sit with other children reading, debating and learning with great enthusiasm, always curious to know a little more. 'His surname, Sibanda, means 'Lion'. Our new Pope has taken the name Leo, which also means 'Lion'. Pope Leo and Matt Sibanda shared something important in common – their ability to listen to all sides of the debate, never judging, but helping all sides to reach a better solution. 'All of this stemmed from his profound respect for his mother. He always listened to her and he never ever spoke back to her even once throughout his eighteen years. A man of few words, a good and kind boy, a humble kid who would play with the other children, always looking out for his sister Sandy. 'He adored her, and she him. He would watch her when his Mam was working; he taught her to ride a bike; he would play piggy back with her and chase her after school – always kind and happy. 'He had the perfect balance in life, for he loved food, healthy food, and loved exercising, lifting weights; ironically, he was a powerful swimmer.' Emmanuel Familola and Matt Sibanda. Fr Bradley added that while the world is now moving on from the terrible tragedy of May 10th, the local community in Buncrana and Donegal is still coming to terms with it. He added, 'While some distance has been drawn now from those terrible moments, the loss of Matt and Emmanuel is still an open wound, a sore blow for all of us, but most especially for his grieving family. 'We are all struggling still to come to terms with the loss, still speechless at the suddenness of it, still heartbroken at the enormity of it. While the world has moved on in some respects, we are nevertheless still numbed by the sadness of what happened. 'For these reasons and more we feel the need to reach out in hope to one another and to God in a search for peace more than answers, and for the healing consolation which can only ever come from the heart of God alone.' Among those present to support Matt's family was Commandant Joe Glennon, Aide de Camp to An Taoiseach, representing Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris, Kate Gillen of IPAS, CEO of the Donegal Education Training Board Anne McHugh as well as various public representatives. Many of Matt's teachers and fellow pupils from Crana College as well as Principal Mr Kevin Cooley were also present. A huge bloom of white flowers reading Matt's name lay at the foot of the altar accompanied by a photo montage of Matt and a football made from flowers to reflect Matt's love of the game. As well as traditional hymns, songs from Matt's native Zimbabwe filled St Mary's Oratory as both communities came together to remember a fine young man taken too soon. Matt's heartbroken family led his white coffin out of St Mary's church to the haunting sounds of 'Amazing Grace' before his burial in the nearby Cockhill Cemetery. Outside, dark clouds hung over Buncrana on the last day of May as a town which has seen more than its fair share of tragedies, closed the page on another sad chapter. 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. 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Sunday World
3 days ago
- Sunday World
Tragic Donegal drowning victim remembered for smiling face and generous heart
Matt Sibanda, 18, was laid to rest following his funeral mass at St Mary's Oratory in Buncrana. The remains of Matt Sibanda being carried out of St Mary's Oratory in Buncrana. (North West Newspix) The remains of Matt Sibanda being carried out of St Mary's Oratory in Buncrana. (North West Newspix) The remains of Matt Sibanda being carried out of St Mary's Oratory in Buncrana. (North West Newspix) A young man who died in a double-drowning tragedy off the Co Donegal coast has been remembered for his quiet but sociable presence, smiling face and ability to always listen and respond with a deeply respectful and generous heart. Matt Sibanda, 18, was laid to rest following his funeral mass at St Mary's Oratory in Buncrana today. He was due to begin sitting his Leaving Certificate exams in the coming days at Crana College in Buncrana. It is two weeks to the day since Matt's friend, Emmanuel Familola, 16, was also laid to rest in the same church after the pair perished in the same tragedy in Lough Swilly. Both young men were understood to be trying to retrieve a ball from the water while swimming during the recent good spell of weather off Buncrana on May 10th. The remains of Matt Sibanda being carried out of St Mary's Oratory in Buncrana. (North West Newspix) Another friend who also got into difficulty managed to swim ashore. Matt's body was found hours after he went missing following a huge search by the emergency services and local volunteer vessels. His friend Emmanuel was plucked from the sea earlier in the day and rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital but tragically passed away a few hours later. Emmanuel was laid to rest on May 17th. However, Matt's funeral was delayed until today to allow family members travel from their native Zimbabwe. Included among the traveling group was Matt's beloved grandmother Josephine. The remains of Matt Sibanda being carried out of St Mary's Oratory in Buncrana. (North West Newspix) News in 90 Seconds - May 31st Earlier this week, Matt's family traveled to the scene of the tragedy to see where their beloved son, brother and grandson died. A small ritual took place at the pier which was overseen by Matt's grandmother in her role as head of the family so they could release his soul and allow him to go to heaven. A large crowd attended today's funeral to say a final farewell to the young man who had carved out a special place in the heart of the local community despite his short time there. As well as Matt's beloved mother Bonnie, his brother Thembalethu and sisters Modest and Sandy, were present to say a final farewell to the young man who have played such a huge part in all their lives. Before Matt's mass began, a member of Matt's family thanked the local community for their support and friendship for the family since Matt's tragic passing. Fr Francis Bradley, parish priest, said Matt was undeniably wise and good beyond his years. He said "From his earliest days in Zimbabwe through to his time here in Buncrana, Matt has always been recognised for his quiet but sociable presence, his smiling face and his ability to always listen and respond with a deeply respectful and generous heart. "In the Old HSE Building which became his home since his arrival here in late 2023, Matt was the eldest child, and with his great gifts and talents, particularly the respect he showed to everyone but most especially to his mother, he became a natural leader – a first among equals. "He was undeniably wise and good beyond his years with an ability to sit with other children reading, debating and learning with great enthusiasm, always curious to know a little more. "His surname, Sibanda, means 'Lion'. Our new Pope has taken the name Leo, which also means 'Lion'. Pope Leo and Matt Sibanda shared something important in common – their ability to listen to all sides of the debate, never judging, but helping all sides to reach a better solution. "All of this stemmed from his profound respect for his mother. He always listened to her and he never ever spoke back to her even once throughout his eighteen years. A man of few words, a good and kind boy, a humble kid who would play with the other children, always looking out for his sister Sandy. "He adored her, and she him. He would watch her when his Mam was working; he taught her to ride a bike; he would play piggy back with her and chase her after school – always kind and happy. "He had the perfect balance in life, for he loved food, healthy food, and loved exercising, lifting weights; ironically, he was a powerful swimmer." Fr Bradley added that while the world is now moving on from the terrible tragedy of May 10th, the local community in Buncrana and Donegal is still coming to terms with it. He added "While some distance has been drawn now from those terrible moments, the loss of Matt and Emmanuel is still an open wound, a sore blow for all of us, but most especially for his grieving family. "We are all struggling still to come to terms with the loss, still speechless at the suddenness of it, still heartbroken at the enormity of it. While the world has moved on in some respects, we are nevertheless still numbed by the sadness of what happened. "For these reasons and more we feel the need to reach out in hope to one another and to God in a search for peace more than answers, and for the healing consolation which can only ever come from the heart of God alone." Among those present to support Matt's family was Commandant Joe Glennon, Aide de Camp to An Taoiseach, representing Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris, Kate Gillen of IPAS, CEO of the Donegal Education Training Board Anne McHugh as well as various public representatives. Many of Matt's teachers and fellow pupils from Crana College as well as Principal Mr Kevin Cooley were also present. A huge bloom of white flowers reading Matt's name lay at the foot of the altar accompanied by a photo montage of Matt and a football made from flowers to reflect Matt's love of the game. As well as traditional hymns, songs from Matt's native Zimbabwe filled St Mary's Oratory as both communities came together to remember a fine young man taken too soon. Matt's heartbroken family led his white coffin out of St Mary's church to the haunting sounds of 'Amazing Grace' before his burial in the nearby Cockhill Cemetery. Outside, dark clouds hung over Buncrana on the last day of May as a town which has seen more than its fair share of tragedies, closed the page on another sad chapter.
