Seamus O Domhnaill, Dr.Paul Stewart and Pat the Cope Gallagher pictured at Dunfanaghy Health Centre.
There is widespread relief and joy in Dunfanaghy this morning following the announcement that the dispensary in the town will not be closed.
A massive public meeting was held after fears the dispensary was close to close, and locals in the area expressed their anger and frustration with the HSE’s proposed plans for the dispensary.
However, it has been confirmed this morning that the HSE has reversed their decision and have opted to save the dispensary.
Local Councillor Seamus O’Domhnaill has welcomed confirmation this morning that the HSE have committed to retaining the Doctors Surgery in Dunfanaghy.
Speaking this morning O Domhnaill told Donegal Daily, “The HSE have committed that they are to retain the services in Dunfanaghy following a massive public meeting and representations which I and other local politicians have made to the HSE in recent weeks.
“The HSE have carried out an Engineers report to assess if it is viable to upgrade the existing centre and if this option is deemed not viable the HSE will look at options to lease a suitable local facility.
“This signifies a commitment which the HSE were not prepared to make previously. It is now imperative that every pressure is exerted on the HSE to deliver upon their commitment.”
Cllr. Ó Domhnaill visited the current dispensary on Monday morning last with Fianna Fáil General Election Candidate Pat the Cope Gallagher and seen first hand the cramped, sub standard facilities which the staff and patients are forced to put up with.
The building is small and old and does not reflect the needs of the Community and simply must be upgraded or replaced.
At a recent public meeting held in the Ozaman centre, the anger and frustration was palpable.
Ó Domhnaill added, “Whilst this news today does not offer an immediate solution it does offer the public an assurance that the HSE don’t intend to end the service provided by the Doctor’s dispensary in Dunfanaghy.
While they have committed to looking at a range of options so as to retain the services, it is important that efforts are re-doubled to ensure that the Public continue with the ‘Save Our Services’ campaign.
The issue is far from dealt with but what has been achieved through this commitment is an undertaking from the HSE that they will endeavour to provide these much needed services on a local basis in a suitable location to the people of Dunfanaghy.”
Given the massive influx of Tourists to Dunfanaghy during the Summer months and indeed weekends it is imperative that a doctor be available in the Dunafanaghy area.
Cllr. Ó Domhnaill concluded by saying “Massive credit must go to the local hard working committee who ensured that this issue took centre stage in recent weeks and to the community who turned out in massive numbers at the recent meeting, the HSE have also committed that they will meet with the local committee upon completion of the report to discuss and advise of the steps which they propose to take in regards to the retention of this vital service.”
