Lettermacaward public to meet amid health centre fears

The public in Lettermacaward will convene on Saturday evening to discuss the ongoing absence of a GP in the area.

With the Lettermacaward Health Centre building having been deemed as not fit for purpose, locals have had to attend the primary care centre in Glenties to see a doctor.

The HSE say this arrangement is a 'short term' one and have said they will attempt to identify an alternative premises in the Lettermacaward area.

At 8pm this evening, at St Bridgid's Hall, a public meeting will take place on the issue.

Councillor Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig has called for an immediate solution.

“I expressed the importance of how a rural community is being stripped away and how important it is that we get the service back,” Councillor Mac Giolla Easbuig said.

“It is not satisfactory what the HSE are saying. There is a doctor needed in Lettermacaward.

“They cannot move their healthcare service to a centralised area, not when there isn't adequate public transport.”

In response to a query on the matter, the HSE said: “Currently patients of the Lettermacaward Health Centre (HC) are being asked to attend the primary care centre (PCC) in Glenties following concerns raised that the health centre building in Lettermacaward was not fit for purpose and posed risks for patient safety.

“As a result of these concerns, a decision was taken to allow the GP to operate from Glenties as a short term measure until such time as a decision is taken regarding the future availability of the Lettermacaward HC or in the event of that building continuing to be unavailable, the prospect of identifying an alternative premises in Letttermacaward.”