Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2017
581. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health his plans for the appointment of a breast radiologist at Letterkenny University Hospital; and if the breast cancer centre is appropriately staffed for the current demands placed on it. [9964/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Breast Cancer Service at Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) operates as a satellite centre of University Hospital Galway (UHG). The Saolta Hospital Group is committed to continuing the Letterkenny University Hospital service as a fully integrated part of the Galway service, including through a joint Multi-Disciplinary Team approach.
The service at Letterkenny University Hospital is run by a single consultant who also undertakes general surgery at the hospital. This service is augmented by locum consultants and by Galway-based Saolta consultants who travel to carry out clinics in the Letterkenny service to meet needs arising.
At present, steps are being taken to recruit a full-time locum Consultant surgeon to deal with the current demands on the service. Increased levels of support from other Saolta consultants is also envisaged. Consideration is also being given to longer term measures to meet the future requirements of the service. In that regard, the level of staffing at consultancy, G.P. support and Advanced Nurse Practitioner levels will be among a range of issues to be considered.
