New Letterkenny Hospital Action Campaign committee set up

A new Letterkenny Hospital Action Campaign committee has been set up following a meeting in Dillon's Hotel, Letterkenny on Thursday night. The meeting was attended by around 35 people from across Donegal.

It elected a committee to help further the campaign for further and consistent investment in he services at Letterkenny University Hospital for the benefit of the patients availing of the services and the staff providing them. 

"We thank them for taking the time to come and share their experiences with us. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Cllr Ciaran Brogan for attending and Michael McBride who although couldn’t attend did send his apologies for not being present," said a spokesperson. 

A section of the crowd that attended the hospital meeting in Letterkenny on Thursday night

The meeting was a very positive one and dealt with hopes for the future of the health service in Donegal, what services they hoped would be made available such as Donegal men being able to have access to a rapid prostrate clinic in Letterkenny University Hospital as suggested by Donegal Action Cancer Care, a Minor injuries unit to alleviate the strain on the A&E department and the reduction in waiting lists to see a specialist.

A number of the members of the public also spoke on their own experiences of their time and their loved ones times spent in the hospital which was quite emotive but also highlighted not just the patients' point of view but also the importance of supporting the staff in the hospital and ensuring investment in resources that are not yet available there. 

"A committee has now been elected by those present going forward and we are delighted to say that two of those members are experienced retired former nurses and also that the committee members are not just from Letterkenny but range from across areas of Donegal such as Buncrana, Drumkeen and Ardara," their spokesperson added.

The committee elected members are: Chairperson - Mary T Sweeney; Vice Chairperson - Maria Keaney; Secretary - Liam Mulligan; Vice Secretary - Donna Russell; Treasurer - Anne Maloney and PRO - Emma Govha