Director of Nursing appointed for new Letterkenny healthcare facility

The HSE has appointed a Director of Nursing for the nearly completed Letterkenny Community Hospital.

Susen Jerin has been announced as the new community hospital's Director of Nursing.

Susen brings extensive experience in Older Persons Services, having worked within the HSE since 2008. Prior to taking up the role, Susen served as the Director of Nursing and Person in Charge at Dungloe Community Hospital, where she gained significant experience in the leadership and management of services for older people.

Susen holds a Master's degree in Gerontology from the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), which she completed in 2021. This qualification further developed her knowledge and commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care for older people.

Speaking on her appointment, Susen said: “I am delighted to have taken up the role as Director of Nursing at Letterkenny Community Hospital. I have a strong interest in supporting high-quality, person-centred care for older people and I am looking forward to bringing my experience and knowledge to this role.

“I am particularly looking forward to contributing to the development and opening of the new Letterkenny Community Hospital and working together with staff and colleagues across the service. Supporting staff, promoting a positive workplace culture and ensuring that patients and residents receive safe, compassionate and person-centred care will be central to my work.”

Mandy Doyle, Integrated Service Lead for Older Persons Services, said, “The appointment of Susen as Director of Nursing is an important milestone as we move towards the completion of the new Letterkenny Community Hospital. Susan brings a wealth of experience, strong leadership and a clear commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care for older people.

“The new Community Hospital represents a significant investment in community-based services for older people in the county, and I look forward to working with Susan and the wider team as we enter this exciting new phase for Older Person Services in Donegal.”

Construction of the new Community Nursing Unit (CNU) in Letterkenny is nearing completion, and the project remains on target for construction completion by the end of 2026. The facility is expected to become operational following the successful completion of the HIQA registration process.

The new €59 million healthcare facility, located on Kilmacrennan Road, is expected to be substantially complete before the end of the year and is scheduled to become fully operational within the first quarter of 2027.