Ante-Natal clinics are expected to be re-instated at Dungloe Community Hospital by January 2017 at the latest.
The confirmed formal date for the services’ return comes after continued lobbying and campaigning efforts to have maternity services at the hospital restored, following their suspension in November 2014.
Welcoming the eagerly awaited news, Deputy Pearse Doherty said “I am very happy to have now it confirmed to me that Ante-natal services will be re-instated at Dungloe Community Hospital in the coming months, and that clinics will once again be operational by January 2017 at the latest.
“Regarding Ante-natal and Gynaecology services at Dungloe, the Minister and the HSE have informed me that the Saolta University Healthcare Group plan to develop clinics as a midwifery led service at the hospital, and that these will be similar to those already in place in community hospitals in Galway, and are a model for best practice.
“In the interim, I understand that the Obstetric and Gynae Directorate are presently reviewing these arrangements for the anticipated return of these services, and that a meeting with the Management of the hospital is scheduled to take place next week as part of these preparations.”
He added that this is a fantastic result for women throughout West Donegal, and he absolutely thrilled to finally have a confirmed timeframe for the restoration of the service provided by the HSE.
“Between 2010 and 2014, some 1,200 appointments took place at the clinics at Dungloe Community Hospital prior to the service’s suspension, figures which clearly demonstrate the importance of having such a facility in the region.
“As everyone is aware, I have been continuously and incessantly raising the need to re-instate maternity services at the hospital ever since it was first reported that clinics had been temporarily withdrawn, as I made a commitment at the time not to let this matter rest.
“Now, as we approach almost two years since these services were first suspended at Dungloe hospital, it is wonderful that this campaign is nearing a successful conclusion.”
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