Following what has been described as an “informative meeting” today, the Minister for Health is scheduled to meet with Donegal doctors again to further discuss the proposed placement of a surgical hub in the North West region.
This meeting was prompted by a letter signed by 171 clinicians expressing concerns and requesting a pause and review of the decision to designate Sligo University Hospital as the hub’s location.
The announcement of Sligo as the preferred site has been met with opposition from Donegal GPs and consultants, who fear the move will negatively impact Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH), potentially leading to a downgrading of services.
Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill met this evening with a delegation comprising Consultants and General Practitioners from Donegal to address their concerns directly.
During the meeting, the clinicians presented data covering various factors, including geography, population demographics, day case numbers, staffing levels, and other key performance indicators.
Dr. Pádraig McGuinness, a GP, commented after the hour-long meeting, stating, “We had a really constructive meeting with the Minister.”
“She was clearly in listening mode and showed genuine interest in Letterkenny University Hospital. She reviewed the data with us, and we addressed her questions. It was a very informative meeting for both sides involved.”
Dr. Louise Moran, a Consultant Anaesthetist, noted that the Minister demonstrated a data-driven approach and had researched the situation at LUH extensively.
She added, “As evidence-based clinicians, we welcome this approach. Our primary request is for a level playing field in comparison to patients across the country.”
“We are simply asking for a fair comparison of data across all hospitals and for the most evidence-based decision to be made, benefiting all residents of the North West.”
The doctors and the Minister have agreed to reconvene in two weeks to continue the dialogue after both parties have had adequate time to reflect on the issues raised and gather additional information.
“We are genuinely impressed by this Minister and look forward to collaborating with her to improve LUH. We are also eager to meet with her again shortly to continue our discussions and advance the surgical hub project for the North West,” Dr. McGuinness concluded.
Health Minister to meet Donegal GPs again after ‘informative” meeting on surgical hub was last modified: June 17th, 2025 by
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