Cancer care at Letterkenny University Hospital is to be improved with the appointment of a second breast cancer surgeon on a permanent basis.
The confirmation comes two years after the much-needed post was first announced in April 2017. A locum consultant was assigned in the interim, while campaigners and patient advocacy groups continuously lobbied for assurance of a permanent position.
Minister Joe McHugh has today confirmed that the recruitment process is underway.
He said: “The appointment of a second breast cancer surgeon on a permanent contract in Letterkenny is an important development for health services in Donegal and the North-West.
“The National Cancer Control Programme has confirmed the appointment in order to meet the need of patients in Donegal and neighbouring counties. The recruitment process is underway.
“The new post offers patients and their families more assurances about the care available in LUH and the Government’s commitment to the hospital and healthcare in the North-West.”
Mr McHugh, Minister for Education and Skills, also praised the work of campaigners, including Betty Holmes and Noelle Duddy, who have been raising the importance of cancer care in LUH for several years.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the determination of consultant surgeon Michael Sugrue on the issue of cancer care in Donegal and the National Cancer Control Programme for giving LUH such focus and consideration,” Minister McHugh said.
“The news of the new breast surgeon appointment also comes as LUH management confirmed that nurses have been recruited at the hospital to ensure the new Short Stay ward opens at the end of the month. Both of these are important developments for LUH and for healthcare in the North-West.”
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