The Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford has called for a private waiting room to be designated in the emergency department at Letterkenny University Hospital for people with mental health issues.
Cllr Kevin Bradley has urged Donegal County Council to engage with the HSE on the matter, saying that patients should have the right to a separate pathway for emergency psychiatric issues.
Cllr Bradley told this week’s meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford MD that he was approached by two families with the same issue.
“The families had bother getting their loved ones to the hospital when they are suffering with depression. When they go to the hospital, there are only three self-harm nurses, and if they are busy, the person has to sit in the waiting room and they might be getting anxious,” Cllr Bradley said.
Cllr Gerry McMonagle commented that the motion was very timely, as Letterkenny University Hospital is seeking a two-story modular extension to the emergency department. The extension, he said, is expected to provide the required pathway for mental health patients.
The motion is now due to be conveyed to the Hospital Manager of Letterkenny University Hospital.
