Major progress has been made on x-ray facilities at community hospitals across Donegal.
The update follows representations made by Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher.
Construction work on the new x-ray facility at Killybegs hospital is now complete.
In Donegal Town, x-ray equipment has now been removed, with patient appointments transferred to Killybegs X-ray.
Construction tenders are being assessed with construction works due to start in 2-3 weeks. The refurbished X-ray department will be operational in Dec 17.
Carndonagh
The X-ray department in Carndonagh is to remain operational throughout, with an adjacent clinic room being developed as a new X-ray facility.
The construction works are currently out to tender. The new X-ray department will be completed in Dec 17, with construction works to the waiting area and refurbishment of the existing X-ray room to a clinic room being completed in Jan 2018.
Pat the Cope Gallagher
X-ray facilities in Dungloe are to remain open throughout; the new X-ray room will be prioritised in the construction works and completed in December 17.
The overall construction works will be completed in Jan/Feb 2018.
The finer detail of the construction programme, dates from transfer to the new X-ray room, etc. are currently being determined as part of the tender package. The project is to be issued for tender in approx. 2 weeks.
All the above dates are subject to a timely response from EPA for Licensing, which has the potential to delay the dates in which the rooms become operational. Licensing for the Killybegs project was granted immediately, no delays were encountered.
Pat The Cope said it is important that these facilities are maintained and upgraded to the highest possible standard.
“I am glad to see that no interruption of service will occur during the period of upgrading of the four facilities. Community X-ray facilities are crucial to health service provisions in Donegal, as they provide services to patients in their own community and alleviate pressure from Letterkenny University Hospital.
“I have been lobbying the HSE and Department of Health for some time, to maintain these facilities to the highest standards and I am glad that the appropriate investment is being made into these facilities following today’s confirmation from the HSE,” he conlcuded.
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