Carndonagh Community Hospital received a major boost this week as they showcased the upgrading of the new community radiology diagnostic service on Monday.
More than 30 people attended the event, including representation from HSE staff that work within Carndonagh Community Hospital, Letterkenny University hospital radiology staff, local GP’s, representatives from Community Groups and local TDs and Oireachtas members.
Radiography staff Helen McCallion, Noeleen Gallagher, Eileen Holmes, Carol Anne Smith and Adria Woods
Chief Officer for HSE Community Healthcare Organisation in Donegal, Mr John Hayes, said he was delighted to see Carndonagh receive the new technology.
“I am delighted to witness the upgrading of the existing equipment at the current sites to modern digital x-ray equipment which will be linked with Letterkenny University Hospital,” he said.
“The Carndonagh Community x-ray service provides a speed appointment service for GP Chest x-rays and also provides a service for suspected fractures that would otherwise need to be referred to the Emergency Department at Letterkenny University Hospital.
“Having these services provided in our local Community Hospitals reduces the attendances at Letterkenny University Hospital and ensures people in these areas can get local service, Hayes added.
“Going forward it is anticipated that all of the Carndonagh Community x-ray Service will see an increase in activity especially if all GP Services and Hospital Consultants utilise the service appropriately.”
Eileen Homes radiographer demonstraing the new equipment
The HSE also confirmed that an additional €235k funding for new diagnostic equipment in Ballyshannon had been granted, bringing the total investment in new diagnostic equipment and upgraded service provision to €2m in County Donegal.
Dr Emer Gavin, General Practitioner at Carndonagh Hospital spoke at the event stating: “This new equipment means that the population of Inishowen will have access to the very latest x-ray equipment which means they don’t have to travel to Letterkenny for an x-ray.
“The x-rays will be sent electronically to Letterkenny University Hospital where they will be read and reported on by Consultant Radiologists, the reports will then be sent back to the patients GP.
“These new digital x-ray machines will improve patient throughout and produce higher quality x-ray images with a 60% reduction in patient radiation exposure,” she added.
“These x-ray facilities play a vital role in serving the needs of our patient, in particular,r our elderly clients”.
