Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2023
60. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health what further plans are being considered to deal with the ongoing crisis at Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48213/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra61. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the ongoing situation with Letterkenny University Hospital where GPs and consultants continue to voice their concerns about the future of the service; if any further resources will be provided to the hospital to help it deal with the crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48220/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 61 together.
As Minister for Health I am committed to the ongoing development of regional hospitals, such as Letterkenny University Hospital. Letterkenny is a large, busy hospital and this Government has allocated significant resources in order to meet the needs of patients using the hospital.
• There has been significant investment in services in LUH in recent years. Capital projects completed in the last two years include:
• the expansion of gynaecology services
• the opening of the acute stroke unit
• the provision of an additional endoscopy theatre and a new maternity theatre
• Since the end of 2019, 49 additional acute beds have been delivered to LUH.
There are several capital projects underway which will add additional capacity in services for patients. Projects planned and underway include the expansion of the Renal Department, the expansion of the Oncology Day Unit and the Electrical Infrastructure Upgrade.
I am concerned with the issues raised in recent correspondence from GPs and consultants working in Letterkenny and the wider Donegal area and I hope to meet with representatives of GPs working in County Donegal at the earliest available opportunity.
Following a meeting that I had with the HSE CEO in October, it has been agreed that the Performance Management and Improvement Unit would travel to Letterkenny University Hospital last week to visit the hospital.
I have also been informed of an issue regarding a locum consultant radiologist employed in radiology services in Letterkenny. This was notified to my Department via the HSE Patient Safety Protocol on 31 October. A full review of the work undertaken by this doctor during the period in question is being carried out. The review will be conducted by suitably qualified clinicians using the relevant HSE guidance and will include an examination of all of the radiological images reported on by the locum consultant radiologist. In the event that any issues of patient safety are identified, appropriate remedial actions will be instigated and full open disclosure will be arranged with patients and/or their families.
