A new state of the art community X-ray facility will be officially launched today by Gerry McMonagle, Chairperson of the Regional Health Forum West.
The new facility has been operational since January 2023 at the Errigal Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Hub located on the Kilmacrennan Road, Letterkenny opposite the entrance to the Emergency Department, Letterkenny University Hospital.
This is the fifth community x-ray location operating across Donegal Community Healthcare Network areas from which patients can receive a plain film x-ray which is accessed via an electronic referral from their GP.
The other facilities are located in Community Hospitals at Dungloe, Carndonagh, Donegal Town and Killybegs. These facilities currently undertake 1090 x-rays on average per month.
Launch of the X-Ray Department in the Errigal CDM Hub Letterkenny –
The HSE is pleased to announce that the new state of the art community X-ray facility was officially launched today by Gerry McMonagle, Chairperson of the Regional Health Forum West with HSE Staff, and Public Represenatives, Front from left are Dermot Monaghan, Chief Officer Community Healthcare, CH CDLMS, Maura Gillen, General Manager Primary Care, Cllr. Gerry McMonagle, Mandy Doyle, Head of Service Primary Care, CDLMS, and Jennifer Mulcahy, General Manager Primary Care.
Councillor Gerry McMonagle stated, “I am delighted to be here today to officially launch this new Radiology Department. This facility compliments the Sláintecare reform programme as it improves safe, timely access to care and promoting Health & Wellbeing is focussed on integration, safety, prevention, shift of care to the right location, productivity, extra capacity and achieving Sláintecare waiting time targets. It is testament to the HSE’s commitment to investing in the health and wellbeing of the people of Donegal”.
The new facility is operating Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm with a current capacity of 25-30 pre-scheduled x-rays per day. There are two full time senior Radiographers in place to support the facility.
Dermot Monaghan, Chief Officer Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo (CH CDLMS) said, “This facility ensures the rollout of the Enhanced Community Care Programme within Donegal. It will greatly enhance our ability to provide our patients with the highest quality of care. Through this investment we are reaffirming our commitment to the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve, and we look forward to continuing to enhance our services in the years ahead.”
Noeleen Gallagher, Senior Radiographer, said, “We are thrilled to have this new facility. It will benefit patients as it will improve timely access to diagnostics in the community, and reduce pressure on the acute hospital services and Emergency Department.
“We would like to acknowledge the significant support provided by our colleagues in Letterkenny University Hospital, General Practice and wider HSE management who have been instrumental in supporting the set-up of this facility. We look forward to continue to work in partnership to progress the development of the diagnostic services in Donegal for our community for the benefit of our patients.”