Concerns have arisen over health services in Dunfanaghy after it emerged that residents are facing at least two months without local care.
The local health centre has been closed since the 25th of October due to IT issues. All surgeries were moved to Creeslough since 21st October to facilitate the move to the new centre.
Meanwhile, the new centre (pictured above) will not be opening until late December / early January.
The HSE told Donegal Daily that the opening of the new facility has not been finalised and these are “projected dates”.
Independent Councillor Michael McClafferty said he fears the opening date will be much later.
“The projected date is only an estimated timeframe down the road,” he said.
“I have my own fears that this will be kicked down the line, realistically nothing opens in December.
“I think it’s a sad day for the town that this is the situation.”
The reason for the closure of the current health centre has been put down to IT issues.
“There may be an issue with the Broadband, but God forbid if this happened in Letterkenny hospital or any other hospital, there would be uproar,” Cllr McClafferty said.
He said he feared that the people of the village are “falling between two stools” as a result of the issues with older people and those without cars being the most affected.
“With an election close I hope it’s not left to 2025 to open,” he said.
“I genuinely thought we’d have a day out before the end of November to open the new centre, with the TDs and even the Minister for Health and the Taoiseach up to celebrate.
“I am gravely concerned about the people of Dunfanaghy being left until at least January. I would call on the HSE and all political representatives to get this much-needed surgery opened before the bad weather comes again,” he said.
Cllr McClafferty added: “A health centre is more than visiting your doctor, it’s a meeting point for people and a place of sanctuary. It’s a safe haven for some.”
