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Growing fears for Donegal's world
class breast unit
26.02.15
THERE are growing fears
that the Breast Cancer Unit in Letterkenny is to
close with services centralised in Galway.
Donegal's only breast cancer consultant Michael
Sugrue said his position at the hospital was being
made untenable.
He claimed that among the measures aimed at closing
or downgrading the unit, were a refusal to appoint a
second surgeon and the increasing referral of
patients to Galway instead of Letterkenny.
Some 65 patients who have been waiting longer than
84 days for assessment at the Letterkenny breast
clinic have been offered an earlier appointment in
Galway. |
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Mr Michael Sugrue. |
Mr Sugrue was the
second senior consultant to speak out about the
ongoing pressure on resources at Letterkenny General
Hospital.
The Saolta University Hospitals Group said it is
committed to maintaining the breast cancer service
in Letterkenny but said changes were being made to
the patient referral system.
Mr Sugrue spoke of his concerns in an interview with
Highland Radio this week.
Inishowen T.D., Charlie McConalogue said the
diminishment of the local life-saving service is
"scandalous".
He said he was very concerned at Saolta's plans to
redirect Donegal patients from their GPs to Galway
rather than the Letterkenny Breast Cancer Unit.
He called on Minister for Health Leo Varadkar to
guarantee the future of breast cancer services at
Letterkenny and to ensure that a second breast
surgeon is appointed without delay.
Deputy McConalogue said: “Services at Letterkenny
General Hospital are being diminished before our
eyes. This deterioration is prompting resignations
and media appearances by eminent surgeons appealing
to the Government to provide the necessary resources
to improve standards."
He added: “In the wake of Mr Kevin Moran’s
unprecedented resignation in protest at the lack of
resources at the hospital, we now have another
senior and highly qualified surgeon saying he cannot
sustain an essential service unless additional
resources are allocated."
He added: “I look forward to meeting with the
Department of Health on Friday, and with
representatives from Saolta and Letterkenny Hospital
Management together with Donegal Oireachtas members
and Donegal Action for Cancer Care, where I will be
reiterating my concerns. It is imperative that a
second consultant is recruited at Letterkenny
General Hospital without delay."
Meanwhile, Donegal patients referred to the breast
clinic in Galway have been urged to apply for a
grant to help them with the cost of travel.
The Irish Cancer Society is calling on women to
avail of a Travel to Care Grant.
Patients are asked to contact the society's freefone
helpline 18000 200 700.
The society also expressed concern at the delay in
waiting times for referrals and has called on the
National Cancer Control Programme to deliver a
comprehensive long term plan for cancer services in
Co Donegal. |
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