Joe McHugh TD calls on Minister Harney & Professor Drumm to intervene & secure a Blood Consultant for North—West

Donegal TD Joe McHugh has called on the Minister for Health and on HSE Chief Brendan Drumm to immediately source a consultant haematologist for Letterkenny General Hospital (pictured).

Letterkenny General Hospital has been without Haematology services since the departure of the Hospital’s last Consultant Haematologist last month. The position has been advertised in national medical journals and in international medical publications, but to—date Hospital management has not been able to secure the services of a qualified consultant.

Joe McHugh TD said:

“Minister Mary Harney and Professor Brendan Drumm must intervene to source and deliver a Haematology Consultant to our local Hospital. This position has been vacant since December 31st, and patients’ lives are at risk.

“Haematology services are vital for the diagnosis and treatment of all blood—related illnesses, including leukaemia, paediatrics, and all lymphoma diseases. While this position is vacant Donegal patients with suspected blood diseases must travel to Dublin and Galway for Haematology care.

“Because of the nature of some blood diseases, it is not acceptable to impose 4—hour journeys on patients with emergency conditions. This is a fatality waiting to happen.

“Letterkenny Hospital is continuing to advertise the position in Irish and international medical journals, but to—date no Consultant has been secured. The Minister for Health and Professor Brendan Drumm must intervene to secure this service for us.

“Minister Mary Harney has been quick to cut services at Letterkenny General Hospital in the past. Let us see if a positive intervention from the Minister will emerge as quickly.”