Relief for Donegal patients as Letterkenny University Hospital to get new surgical hub

A new surgical hub will be developed in Letterkenny, the Department of Health has confirmed.

It follows intense speculation and lobbying in the wake of suggestions that one new hub would service the north west from Sligo.

A letter signed by 171 Donegal-based doctors recently said a snub of Letterkenny University Hospital as a location for the hub was “flawed, unjustified, and deeply damaging”. Representatives of the group of local clinicians subsequently met with the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, and outlined their concerns. 

Now, Letterkenny University Hospital will see the development of a new two-theatre surgical hub beside the existing hospital building, along with the addition of 30 ambulatory day oncology chairs, 15 of which are new and 15 which are replacements.

The HSE say that the design of the new surgical hub will allow for future vertical expansion, addressing the long-term need for additional bed capacity in the region.

A new stand-alone, two-theatre surgical hub will be constructed in Sligo. 

A full Development Control Plan for the Letterkenny University Hospital site will be commissioned to guide the sequencing of future developments.

“I have consistently highlighted the need to ensure that patients in this region have access to sufficient and timely surgical capacity. Increasing surgical activity in the West and North-West is a clear priority,” Minister MacNeill said.

“Today marks an important milestone in delivering on that commitment, and I am happy to support this proposal from the HSE. I know Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer, HSE West and North West, and his team will now begin progressing these proposals, working closely with hospital management, clinical specialties, and the estates team to advance the design phase, secure planning permission, and prepare for tendering the construction works.

“These investments align with our Ambulatory Elective Day Care Strategy and the National Cancer Control Programme. They will ensure that patients in the North-West have timely access to high-quality surgical and oncology care.

“I look forward to returning to see the progress of these developments, which will make a real and lasting difference to people’s lives in the region.”

Read next: South Donegal quarry makes fresh bid to regularise operations

Medical professionals campaigning for hub in Letterkenny expressed serious concern following confirmation from Minister Marian Harkin that her lobbying efforts secured the hub for Sligo as part of her support for the current Government.

Minister Harkin confirmed that the decision to site the surgical hub in Sligo formed part of her negotiations during the Programme for Government.

Donegal Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said: "This u-turn by government is the most welcome of news this morning and shows the impact political pressure can have. 

"It was unthinkable that the locating of regional Surgical Hubs across the country would not include one being located at Letterkenny University Hospital. 

"This is testament to the hard work of all that campaigned, particularly the 171 doctors and clinicians who stood up and fought for fairness for the people of Donegal. Without whom, this would not have been possible. 

"Forcing a u-turn on this issue was a priority for myself and Sinn Féin colleagues Deputy Pearse Doherty and Cllr Gerry McMonagle, chair of the HSE Regional Health Forum West. 

"It is hard to put into words just how badly needed this expansion of services was. It will save lives and ensure the future of Letterkenny University Hospital. 

"There is still work to be done, but this is an enormous step taken today to improve Letterkenny University Hospital and healthcare in Donegal." 

Donegal Minister of State Charlie McConalogue said: “The investment will serve to improve surgical and cancer services in the county.”

“I have stressed to the HSE that Donegal must be provided with its own surgical hub. I have worked closely at political level in Government to ensure that a surgical hub will be delivered for Letterkenny and I thank the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, for her help and assistance.

“I also welcome the announcement that patients in the North West will have access to high-quality surgical and oncology care.

“I look forward to seeing work commence on these new services at Letterkenny University Hospital as soon as possible.”