Recruitment is underway at Letterkenny University Hospital to ensure the symptomatic breast service is not affected by the upcoming retirement of the hospital’s Consultant Radiologist.
Concerns were raised last week by Donegal Sinn Féin TD Pádraig Mac Lochlainn over the impact that the retirement would have on the breast cancer services in Letterkenny.
But the CEO of Saolta, Tony Canavan, stated that arrangements are in place to provide continuity of care for patients at the North West Breast Centre.
Speaking on Monday, Teachta Mac Lochlainn said: “Obviously, when this news broke, we had grave concerns for the service. The response today provides some reassurance in relation to the continuity of the service and this is to be welcomed.
“However, this is something that we will be keeping a close eye on and following up on with management at the hospital, where necessary.”
Teachta Mac Lochlainn, his colleague Pearse Doherty TD and Sinn Féin councillor Gerry Mac Monagle all made representations on the matter last Thursday.
“In its response, Saolta stated that in parallel to the continuity arrangements, the recruitment of new consultant radiologists for the Symptomatic Breast Service is underway,” Mac Lochlainn said.
“The reply from Saolta also stated that there are currently two Consultant Breast Surgeons working in Letterkenny University Hospital and the hospital remains committed to their retention on a permanent basis.
“Therefore, I reiterate my call for everything possible to be done to ensure that two Consultant Breast Surgeons are based at the hospital in Letterkenny on a permanent basis. The people of Donegal have been campaigning for this for a long time and they deserve nothing less.”
