The HSE has confirmed that ‘unplanned maintenance’ led to the cancellation of the helicopter which was due to take the local GP to Tory Island yesterday.
This added to the woes of islanders who only discovered the previous day there would be no nursing cover for the island for the next two weeks.
“Notification of unplanned maintenance for the helicopter travelling to Tory Island was received by the General Manager’s office on Wednesday at approximately 3 pm,” a HSE spokesperson told Donegal Daily.
“Due to the short notice provided, the HSE were not in a position to notify either the GP or other relevant parties in a timely manner. However, all required medications were sourced and sent to Tory Island by boat.”
The spokesperson said the HSE will continue to liaise closely with the helicopter company to mitigate against this event in the future and endeavour to put contingency plans in place to enable the GP to attend the Island.
The HSE has also said it is liaising with local GPs, pharmacies and NoWDOC in relation to the temporary lack of a nurse on Tory.
“As an additional control, local GPs, Pharmacies and NoWDOC have been advised. In addition, the Coast Guard has been informed in the event of an emergency.”
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