A new action group was formed this week to campaign for investment in services at Letterkenny University Hospital.
The committee, chaired by Aontu’s Mary T Sweeney, is focusing its efforts on getting a Minor Injuries Unit at LUH to alleviate the strain on the Emergency Department.
There are 11 injury units located in the Republic of Ireland, with the nearest in Monaghan.
Other issues on the agenda are a rapid prostrate clinic in Letterkenny University Hospital as suggested by Donegal Action Cancer Care and a reduction in waiting lists to see a specialist.
The Letterkenny Hospital Action Campaign was formed on Thursday at a meeting attended by around 35 people from across Donegal.
Attendees shared their experiences of Donegal’s healthcare system, their plans for moving forward and what services they hoped would be made available in Donegal.
Members of the public also spoke of their time – and loved one’s time – spent in Letterkenny University Hospital which was extremely emotive, but also highlighted not just the patient’s point of view but also the importance of supporting the staff in the hospital and ensuring investment in resources that are not yet available in LUH.
A spokesperson said: “A committee has now been elected by those present and going forward we are delighted to say that two of those members are experienced, retired former nurses. We also welcome that the committee members are representative of not just Letterkenny, but of all areas of Donegal including Buncrana, Drumkeen and Ardara.”
They said a Minor Injuries Unit in Letterkenny would be a step in the right direction to help resolve both the A&E overcrowding crisis.
They said: “These units can conduct x-rays, examine broken bones, treat wounds and much more. If a Minor Injuries Clinic was situated in St Conal’s and linked with the emergency department, it would mean that any patient needing to be admitted to hospital can be referred directly from the Unit.
“At present there are eleven Minor Injuries Clinic in the Republic. Shockingly the nearest facility is in Monaghan – end the Dail discrimination towards Donegal now!”
The committee elected members are: Chairperson – Mary T Sweeney; Vice Chairperson – Maria Keaney; Secretary – Liam Mulligan; Vice Secretary – Donna Russell; Treasurer – Anne Maloney; PRO – Emma Govha
