It has been announced that a full-time neurology consultant will be appointed at Letterkenny University Hospital.
LUH is one of five regional hospitals that has been assigned funding for a full-time neurologist, alongside hospitals in Kerry, Wexford, Mayo and Portlaoise.
The Government says that the appointments will form part of a €2 million investment in neurology services nationwide in 2025, and €4 million in 2026.
Donegal-based MinisterCharlie McConalogue commented on the announcement saying; “A dedicated neurology service is something that has been in the pipeline for some time for Letterkenny University Hospital. I am delighted to announce that approval has now been given by my Cabinet colleague and Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, to appoint a full-time consultant neurologist and a clinical support member at Letterkenny University Hospital.”
“I met with members of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland before Budget 2025 was announced a few weeks ago and listened to their concerns in relation to the regional inequity in access to neurology and neurorehabilitation services. It’s important that Government does all it can to support people with neurological conditions and their families, while also protecting vital services,” the Minister for Agriculture added.
“This appointment for Letterkenny University Hospital will make a huge difference to so many patients and their families in Donegal. I extend my thanks to Minister Donnelly and his team for their work with this, and also to Letterkenny University Hospital Manager, Sean Murphy and his team for their efforts in relation to this issue.”
“The commitment to fund the neurologist for Letterkenny University Hospital is included in Budget 2025 and is a further endorsement of Letterkenny University Hospital.”
“I am aware of the lengthy waiting lists to see a neurologist in Letterkenny University Hospital, with quite a number of them having serious neurological conditions. The visiting service to Letterkenny from Sligo currently in operation sees a neurologist in place two and a half days a week every fortnight.”
“I hope that with the appointment of the dedicated neurologist at Letterkenny University Hospital the waiting times will reduce. It will also mean that patients’ travelling time to see a neurologist will be reduced significantly. I’d also like to thank those who have campaigned to get this service for Letterkenny University Hospital,” Minister McConalogue added.
The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) has also welcomed today’s announcement.
Magdalen Rogers, Executive Director of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland said, “Today’s announcement by Minister Stephen Donnelly of such a significant programme of investment in neurology and neurorehabilitation services sends a strong signal of support to the over 860,000 people throughout Ireland who live with a neurological condition.”
“We had identified five regional hospitals where there was no, or very limited, access to neurology services. This meant unacceptable journey times for patients and their families living in these regions, often over many years of living with a neurological diagnosis. We warmly welcome the Ministers acknowledgment in his statement of the important work of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland. The announcement today which will ensure that many more people with neurological conditions in Donegal and throughout Ireland will have access to the care they need, when they need it.”
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