Leitrim TD backs call for surgical hubs to be located in Sligo and Donegal

A growing controversy has emerged over whether the North West’s surgical hub should be established in Sligo or Letterkenny.

According to the Government, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has not yet reached a decision on whether the hub will be situated in Donegal or Sligo.

Some Donegal TDs have issued stark warnings, stating that if Letterkenny is not chosen, it would amount to a “disaster” for the county. 

Meanwhile, Leitrim TD Martin Kenny has argued that placing the hub solely in Sligo would fall short of meeting the region’s healthcare needs.

Speaking to OceanFM, Deputy Kenny stressed the necessity of establishing surgical hubs in both counties.

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“If there is a hub in Sligo and none in Donegal, it will put huge pressure on the Sligo services,” he stated.

He highlighted the existing burden on Sligo’s dermatology services, noting that the department is already under significant strain, with its only dermatologist currently on sick leave. 

Over 1,000 dermatology patients from Letterkenny are now being referred to Sligo, following the retirement of the Letterkenny-based specialist.

“It shouldn’t be a political football. We need adequate and proper medical infrastructure and services for everyone living in the North West and across the country,” he added.

Sligo was originally proposed as the location for the hub in a HSE business case. However, Donegal has launched a major campaign advocating for the facility to be based there instead.

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Both Sligo University Hospital and Letterkenny University Hospital are operating under intense strain – a situation reflective of the national healthcare landscape. 

With growing pressure from local communities and public representatives, many are now calling for an immediate and decisive resolution on the location of the much-needed surgical hub.