SINN FÉIN Finance Spokesperson Deputy Pearse Doherty insists that a long-term solution to secure the future of radiology services at Dungloe Community Hospital must be found.
Radiology services at the facility were suspended recently due to equipment failure.
However, the HSE has now committed to reinstate the services with the provision of replacement equipment.
Deputy Doherty is now calling on the HSE to furnish the hospital with a new modern digital imaging machine
“The Radiology Department at Dungloe Community Hospital has recently ceased taking patient referrals as services have had to be suspended due to equipment failure at the unit,” Deputy Doherty said.
“I immediately wrote to the HSE to seek clarity on the operational status of the hospital’s Radiology Department, as I felt it was vital that x-ray services should not be unduly disrupted for patients.
“I am happy to now have it confirmed that a new Digitiser device and Bucky Grid component have been approved and ordered for the Department’s x-ray and imaging equipment and management expect that services will resume once these parts are installed and fitted.
“While services at Dungloe are expected to resume again once these repairs take place, I understand that in the interim period patients who should require access to x-ray facilities during this time may avail of services at Killybegs Community Hospital while this work is being completed.
“While this commitment to reinstate services at Dungloe is of course welcome news, I am now calling on the HSE to provide a new high resolution digital x-ray device for the Radiology Department in Dungloe which is badly needed to replace the suite’s existing device which, by all accounts, is now well beyond its usable life and which has been in service for many years.
“The existing equipment, which I understand is prone to break down, is unreliable and is no longer fit for purpose.
“I am urging the HSE to therefore supply a brand new and modern x-ray machine for Dungloe which is required in order to meet the needs of patients well into the future”
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