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Irish Independent
28-07-2025
- 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.
RTÉ News
28-07-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
Minister for Health backs opening of two new surgical hubs in north west
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has given her backing for the opening of two new surgical hubs in the north west region. The plans will see the construction of a new surgical hub close to Sligo University Hospital, while at Letterkenny University Hospital in Co Donegal, a new surgical hub is proposed along with expanded oncology services. It comes after regional HSE management had previously identified a site in Sligo as the sole preferred option for a new surgical hub in the north west region. That decision was strongly criticised by Donegal-based clinicians, who subsequently met with Minister Carroll MacNeill and raised their concerns with her in relation to "population need and geographical logic". Minister Carroll MacNeill has now given her support to the opening of two new surgical hubs, following a proposal from CEO of the Health Service Executive (HSE) Bernard Gloster. Such surgical hubs allow for the delivery of day-case surgeries and minor procedures. The plan, which has been given the green light today, will see the construction of a new stand-alone two-theatre surgical hub in Sligo. The Department of Health has said the facility will significantly expand elective surgical capacity in the region, and it will help reduce waiting times and improve access to scheduled surgical care. Meanwhile, a new two-theatre surgical hub will be built beside the existing Letterkenny University Hospital building, along with the addition of 30 ambulatory day oncology chairs - 15 new and 15 replacement. The Department of Health has said this dual investment will enhance both surgical and cancer treatment services in Co Donegal. The design of the new surgical hub in Letterkenny will also allow for future vertical expansion, addressing the long-term need for additional bed capacity in the region. The HSE will now begin drawing up planning applications for both sites, which will be prepared in parallel and include engagement with Donegal and Sligo county councils. In a statement issued this morning, the Minister for Health said increasing surgical activity in the west and north west of the country is a "clear priority" for the Government. Minister Carroll MacNeill said: "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 North West, and his team will now begin progressing these proposals, working closely with hospital management, clinical specialities, 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," the minister added. The HSE classes a surgical hub as a facility which deals with "high volume, low complexity" elective procedures, treatments and diagnostics. Such elective procedures include biopsies, endoscopies, steroid injections, carpal tunnel treatment, tonsillectomies, cataract treatments, varicose veins treatments, hernia repairs and other keyhole surgeries. Once operational, each surgical hub is expected to deliver over 28,000 day-to-day cases, minor operations and outpatient consultations every year.
Agriland
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Agriland
RSA warns about sun glare as high temperatures approach
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is asking road users to exercise caution on the roads this weekend as Met Eireann has issued Status Yellow weather warnings for high temperatures Friday, Saturday and Sunday (July 11-13). There are Status Yellow warnings for Carlow, Cavan, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, and Westmeath from 12:00p.m. on Friday to 6:00a.m Saturday. A similar warning will come into place for the whole of Ireland from 12:00p.m on Saturday to 6:00a.m on Sunday. Temperatures could be in excess of 27°C. Potential impacts are water safety issues due to increased use of lakes/beaches, forest fires a possibility, uncomfortable sleeping conditions and heat stress. RSA warning In high temperatures, the RSA is advising road users, particularly drivers, to be aware of the dangers posed by sun glare. This can result in drivers being temporarily dazzled or blinded by the intensity and brightness of the sun. With clear sunny conditions and high temperatures forecast over the next number of days, the RSA is advising drivers to: Reduce the risk from sun glare by wearing sunglasses. Be aware of the dangers of sun glare when travelling east in the mornings and west later in the day; Be prepared and ensure you have adequate supplies of water. Any delays to journeys could result in road users being stuck in traffic for a period of time in hot conditions. Children and pets are particularly at risk during these hot spells of weather; Ensure your windscreen is clear of grease or grime inside and out. Make sure you have plenty of window washer fluid to clear flies/insects and excess dust from the road when driving; Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists. Slow down and allow extra space when passing. Pedestrians, people who cycle and motorcyclists are advised to beware of the dangers that sun glare can cause, especially when crossing the road and at junctions. The advice is to follow current health messaging around the use of sun block when out walking and cycling. Summertime is the most dangerous time of the year on our roads according to the RSA. In the summer, when there are no obvious dangers, and the weather is fine and days are brighter, road users tend to drop their guard. There can be a spike in pedestrian, people who cycle and motorcyclist casualties over the summer months as the fine weather brings more people on to the roads, the authority added. Drivers need to be on the lookout for them, slow down and expect the unexpected. Health warnings Meanwhile, health services such as the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Irish Pharmacy Union has also issued warnings and advice ahead of the high temperatures. With sunny weather forecast for this weekend, many of us will be spending more time outdoors. The HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), in collaboration with Healthy Ireland and cross-sectoral partners, is reminding everyone to protect themselves from the damaging effects of exposure to UV radiation from the sun, and to ensure SunSmart is part of your daily routine. Most people living in Ireland have fair skin which burns easily and tans poorly, so are at high risk of UV damage and skin cancer, according to the NCCP. With over 11,000 cases each year, skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland. Enjoying the sun safely means understanding the UV Index, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade during the middle of the day and using sunscreen on exposed skin, the NCCP stated. The UV index is a good indicator of when the sun is most dangerous. It measures the strength of the sun's UV rays so that you know how and when to protect your skin when outdoors. When the UV index is three or above, you need to protect your skin and eyes and follow the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S's. Meteorologist at Met Éireann, Linda Hughes said: 'With temperatures set to be in the mid-20's and the UV index high over the weekend it is important to protect your skin and eyes by following the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S's. 'The higher the UV index, the higher the risk of skin and eye damage. Be prepared and plan ahead by checking the UV forecast on Met Éireann's website.' Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5Ss: Slip on clothing : Cover skin as much as possible, wear long sleeves, collared t-shirts, clothes made from close-woven material that does not allow sunlight through; : Cover skin as much as possible, wear long sleeves, collared t-shirts, clothes made from close-woven material that does not allow sunlight through; Slop on broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen : Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children, with high UVA protection and is water-resistant. Reapply regularly. No sunscreen can provide 100% protection, it should be used alongside other protective measures such as clothing and shade; : Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children, with high UVA protection and is water-resistant. Reapply regularly. No sunscreen can provide 100% protection, it should be used alongside other protective measures such as clothing and shade; Slap on a wide-brimmed hat : Protect your face, ears and neck; : Protect your face, ears and neck; Seek shade: Sit in the cover of trees to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11:00a.m and 3:00p.m. Use a sunshade on your buggy or pram. Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight; Sit in the cover of trees to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11:00a.m and 3:00p.m. Use a sunshade on your buggy or pram. Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight; Slide on sunglasses: Guard your eyes against harm by wearing sunglasses with UV protection. Pharmacist advice As temperatures are expected to reach as high as 29°C in some areas, pharmacists are advising the public to become aware of how to stay safe in the sun. For parents, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has said that is important to be sun smart and protect children's skin when they are outside enjoying the fine weather, as children's skin is very sensitive to the sun's rays. IPU head of professional services, Susan O'Dwyer said: 'It is important that the public knows how to enjoy the sun safely following common sense precautions, especially during good weather. 'Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland and the number of people being diagnosed with skin cancer is rising rapidly.' Pharmacists are reminding the public to stay hydrated, and not to deliberately try to get a tan and avoid getting sunburnt. They advise to take extra precautions if you are an outdoor worker. e.g., working outdoors is an everyday part of farming life which means farmers can be exposed to 2-3 times more UV rays from the sun compared with people who work indoors, putting them at a higher risk of skin cancer. Farmers should pay particular attention to areas of the skin which are exposed to sunlight whatever the weather, by using a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen to protect ears, face, and neck.
RTÉ News
08-07-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
Variations in cancer care causing avoidable deaths
The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has said there are shocking variations across the country in terms of access to cancer tests and treatments. It said this is causing avoidable deaths. It said that new data identifies major variation in access to life-saving chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment and delays for patients who have been referred for urgent breast and prostate tests. Dr Michael McCarthy, President of the Irish Society of Medical Oncology, and consultant oncologist at University Hospital Galway, said that working in the West of Ireland, he sees the human cost of the postcode lottery in Irish cancer care every day. He said that once chemotherapy is prescribed, the National Cancer Strategy states that it should start within 15 working days. Dr McCarthy said the reality in Galway is that patients are now typically waiting seven to eight weeks for their first session. He added that with every week that passes, the risk increases that their cancer will grow, or worse it will spread to other parts of their body. He said that the system does not have enough staff, space or equipment to cope and patients are paying the price. Investment impacting cancer care and outcomes The HSE said that investment is having a real and measurable impact on access to cancer care and outcomes. It added that the service is committed to ensuring all patients get timely and equitable access to cancer treatment. ICS chief executive, Averil Power said that a person's chances of surviving cancer are up to four times higher when treated at Stage 1 than at Stage 4. The ICS said that some radiotherapy equipment with a useful life of 10 years is now 17 years old and subject to significantly more downtime for maintenance and repairs as a result. It said there are no PET scanners in the public cancer centres in Galway, Waterford or Limerick. The Society said there are big variations in waiting times for patients to be seen at rapid access clinics for urgent symptomatic breast disease, urgent lung and prostate cases. Nationally from March 2024-February 2025, it said that only just over 73% of patients got their first appointment within the recommended time frame. It added that the HSE Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) only record the patient's waiting for a first appointment at the Rapid Access Clinics, not how long they have to wait for diagnostic tests to determine if they have cancer. The Society said that increasingly, tests that would have been performed on the first appointment date are not now taking place until weeks or months later. Cancer survival rates improving - HSE In response to the ICS statement, the HSE said that cancer survival is improving and that more people are living after cancer than ever before. It added that today over 220,000 people here are living with or after cancer, which is a 50% increase compared with a decade ago. The HSE said that during the lifetime of the current National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026, the National Cancer Control Programme has allocated around €90m for the development of services, including €20m for new services this year and next year. The HSE said this has supported the created the creation of 800 wholetime posts across the public cancer services, including 12 consultants, 300 nurses and 300 health and social care professionals. Around 40,000 cancers or related tumours are diagnosed here each year. The overall burden of cancer in Ireland is increasing, particularly due to population growth and ageing.
Irish Examiner
08-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Delays in cancer treatment are 'causing avoidable deaths', Irish Cancer Society warns
Delays in cancer care for breast, lung, and prostate patients are causing avoidable deaths, with patients in some counties much more impacted than others, the Irish Cancer Society has warned. Its analysis of new data from the National Cancer Control Programme shows, for the first time, differences between cancer centres. The target for referrals to Urgent Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinics is to have 95% seen within 10 days. However just 76.3% of referrals hit this between March last year and February this year. In addition Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power warned of regional differences. In Letterkenny the rate was 59.8% with a low of 5% in December 2024. This compares with Limerick where 97% were seen and 100% in Waterford. "Research published in the British Medical Journal has found that every four-week delay in starting cancer treatment can increase mortality by 10%. So, there is no question that these delays are causing avoidable deaths," she warned. Source: Irish Cancer Society. Source: Irish Cancer Society. Almost all men diagnosed with prostate cancer at stage one will survive but only half of those diagnosed at stage four. The data shows variations even within strong-performing sites. Monthly data shows while Cork reached 82.8% of these patients referred to rapid access clinics during all of last year, this dropped to 21.9% in August last year. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Ireland. In four sites they missed the target by small numbers, and each linked this to capacity issues. One - Waterford – said it was a data issue. Dr Michael McCarthy, Irish Society of Medical Oncology president and consultant medical oncologist in Galway warned: "I see the human cost of the postcode lottery in Irish cancer care every day. Once chemotherapy is prescribed, the National Cancer Strategy states that it should start within 15 working days. The reality in Galway is that patients are now typically waiting seven to eight weeks for their first session. Over 96% of Waterford patients started radiotherapy within target times, delivered in the private UPMC Whitfield hospital. Funding to upgrade ageing equipment and build more units is vital for Budget 2026, the cancer society urged. In Tralee, it highlighted a plan to build a dedicated cancer unit that was signed off on in December 2023 but has not started. In Limerick, it called for greater urgency in buying a PET scanner and for Cork more radiology facilities and equipment. Other feedback indicated shortages of GPs in the community as well as of nurses, radiologists, consultants and radiation therapists in hospitals. Source: Irish Cancer Society. When Ziva Cussen, 23, went to her GP in early 2023 with breast cancer concerns, she was referred to a symptomatic breast clinic within five weeks. Then, however, she said: 'I think I got lost in the system." In July she was given an ultrasound appointment for October. 'I was left waiting seven and a half months for an ultrasound,' she said. Ziva Cussen, Drogheda, was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer aged 21 in 2023. She faced a delay of 7.5 months in getting an ultrasound, and she questions if this impacted her. 'It's a crazy amount of time to be left waiting for a scan that literally could have been done on the day. It's less than 10 minutes, that scan.' She is now undergoing treatment for advanced breast cancer. 'There's just a lot of delays in the system,' she said. 'And being told 'we're under resourced, and not enough staff' — that's not a good enough reason, I think. People can be left waiting seven and a half months, it's costing people their lives.' Ms Cussen is a co-founder of 'Too Young to be Heard'. They want the age of public breast screening to be lowered among other age-related reforms. The data was shared with the Irish Cancer Society through the Regional Health Forum South and Cllr Roger Kennedy. The HSE National Cancer Control Programme, in response to these concerns, called for certainty around funding to support services. It highlighted reforms already started, but said: 'To sustain this progress, consistency and assurance around future funding would be helpful. 'The HSE recognises the critical importance of early intervention and the impact that delays can have on patients and their families.' Cancer survival is improving in Ireland, a spokeswoman added. 'Today, over 220,000 people in Ireland are living with or after cancer, which is a 50% increase compared to a decade ago," she said. The Cancer Strategy (2017 to 2026) allocated €90m for services development, including hiring the equivalent of 800 full-time workers. A spokesman for HSE Midwest including UHL said plans for a PET scanner are being developed, 'subject to funding availability in 2025/2026". The cancer centre has improved access to the Breast Unit with additional waiting list clinics. An increase in delays last year in accessing systemic therapy was due to a rise in demand, coupled with staffing challenges. 'The recruitment of additional staff has had a positive impact on treatment times. Six consultant oncologists are now in post,' he said. A new system for all cancer patients means a faster start to treatment, he added. 'Data for May 2025 shows 87% of patients commenced treatment within 15 working days,' he said. The nine who did not start on time were either too sick or delayed for other personal reasons. Recruitment is also continuing across HSE Southwest for Cork and Kerry. It shortlisted 18 radiation therapists in June for CUH to fill 11.5 full-time roles. Read More Extending bowel cancer screening to over 50s would reduce deaths but cost up to €66m, Hiqa says
