The Donegal Branch of Diabetes Ireland has said that more recruitment is needed at Letterkenny University Hospital to meet the growing needs of the population.
It was confirmed this week that funding has been made available to recruit a new Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) for the adult diabetes service at Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH).
This long-awaited announcement follows recent confirmation that a new Consultant Endocrinologist for adult diabetes care is also due to commence work at LUH in early June.
“This is a long time in coming,” said Paul Gillespie, spokesperson for the branch. “The addition of an ANP and Consultant Endocrinologist is a significant step forward in properly resourcing the diabetes service. These appointments will allow for improved access to hospital care, more frequent consultations, and, crucially, will move us closer to providing insulin pump therapy for all adults with Type 1 diabetes in Donegal.”
Paul also highlighted that one Consultant Endocrinologist post at LUH remains unfilled, and the branch is strongly advocating for the recruitment of a second ANP for adult diabetes care to meet the growing needs of the population.
“In our recent meeting with the Minister for Health, we highlighted that LUH never received an ANP for adult diabetes care” Paul continued.
“Given the large number of people living with Type 1 diabetes in Donegal, we believe LUH should now have three ANPs dedicated to adult diabetes services.”
The Branch also raised broader concerns during their meeting with the Minister, including the lack of a dedicated Paediatric Diabetes Centre of Excellence in the North West, which has been part of the HSE’s model of care guidance for over a decade but has yet to be implemented. They called for the appointment of a Paediatric Consultant Endocrinologist based in LUH and a second based in Sligo University Hospital (SUH) to provide regional coverage. The group also urged the Minister to ensure that this position, which has been included in LUH’s 2025 estimates, is sanctioned and funded, along with necessary support staff and facilities.
Another key concern raised was the absence of psychological support for children and families affected by Type 1 diabetes, a chronic and life-altering condition. “This gap in service is unacceptable and must be addressed as part of a truly comprehensive model of care,” the Branch noted.
Paul concluded by acknowledging the continued support of local political representatives, HSE staff, and the Donegal diabetes community. “This announcement is a very positive step for diabetes care in Donegal. But if we are to provide the high-quality service that all people with diabetes in our county deserve, further appointments are essential. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to achieve that goal.”
