A LEADING health services campaigner has called on the people of Co Donegal to unite and fight back to save services after a €5M cut was announced at Letterkenny General Hospital.
Betty Holmes has worked tirelessly to save health services in the county in recent years.
As the HSE announced more than €120 worth of cutbacks across the country, it is now clear that Letterkenny General Hospital will have to cut at least €1.1M every month between now and the end of the year.
Ms Holmes says the services can’t take any more cutbacks.
“The cuts need to be made at the very top level at National level,” said Betty Holmes.
“Remember we are told we must all suffer especially the sick and old so that the bankers etc can be paid. It’s a disgrace.
“Letterkenny Hospital has made major achievements over the years that have not been rewarded and recognised at national level.
“With all the cuts at national level to all the hospitals in the country where will Donegal patients get treated? No other hospital will want them as they will be working hard to treat their own patients.
“We the people of Donegal must ensure that key services at LGH are protected, contact your local politicans, write letters to Minister James Reilly, ask questions, highlight the achievements of Letterkenny Hospital.
“Through Donegal Daily I would appeal to people – please don’t sit back and think this will be resolved.
“Bigger cuts are still to come, remember the key problems for Letterkenny Hospital at the moment stem from the major cut to the hospital budget, the recruitment embargo and no additional money to open the new Emergency Department & Medical Unit.
“These are all decisions made in Dublin. Protect key services for sick people at Letterkenny General Hospital. Remember health affects everyone of us from the time we are in the womb until the day we die, everything else we do in life may be affected by our health.”
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