Letterkenny and Sligo University Hospitals provide essential high-quality hospital care to patients in the North West. I can assure the Deputy of the continued commitment to develop services in both Hospitals, including those for patients with diabetes.
I met with the Donegal Branch of Diabetes Ireland, the HSE and the Saolta Healthcare Group on June 28th to discuss the current challenges and future development of diabetes services in the North West and remain committed to progressing the development of diabetes care in the region.
Currently Letterkenny University Hospital has one full working time equivalent podiatrist working with both diabetes patients and other general high risk patients. At present, there has been no funding allocated for the provision of additional podiatry staff. However, it should be noted that sizeable funding has been allocated for other priority recruitment, staff development and capital investment to support diabetes care provision in the region.