Saolta Public Board Meeting - Letterkenny University Hospital

The Board of the Saolta University Health Care Group held its seventh public meeting, which took place in Letterkenny University Hospital (11 May 2016). Members of the Board had the opportunity to see first-hand the breadth of services being provided at the hospital and the recent redevelopment that has taken place there.  At the meeting, the General Manager of the hospital presented an update to the Board on the hospital’s rebuild project.  Significant developments have taken place at the hospital over the last 18 months following the extensive damage caused by flooding in July 2013. A copy of the slides can be viewed here.

Commenting Dr John Killeen, Chair of the Board said, “We are delighted to be here in Letterkenny to see first-hand the very significant work that has been undertaken over the last 18 months. The redevelopment that has taken place here is a testament to the commitment and determination of all staff in the hospital. 

Commenting on the on-going work of the Board, Dr Killeen added, “The Board of the Saolta University Health Care Group continues to develop and progress its governance structures. Patient safety and quality are core to our mission and are at the centre of our decision making. The Board is responsible for ensuring that the Saolta Group is achieving its strategic objectives and effectively manages its available resources to provide sustainable, safe and effective person- centred care”.

Presenting to the meeting, Sean Murphy, General Manager, Letterkenny University Hospital outlined the scale of the work that has been undertaken at the hospital since July 2013. “We have redeveloped the ED/ Acute Medical Assessment Unit, the Pharmacy Department, the Pulmonary Laboratory, the Chapels, the Catering and Dining facilities, the Pathology Laboratory and the Physiotherapy and OT Department.  We now have Ireland’s first fully integrated Blood Sciences Laboratory. Work is expected to begin early next year on the new Radiology Department with further projects including the Mortuary, Changing Rooms and Stores, the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Departments and the Outpatient Department to be progressed in the future. Extensive flood protection measures have also been put in place at the LUH site”.

Dr Killeen also welcomed the recent establishment of a cross border cardiology service, which gives Donegal patients access to 24/7 primary Percutaneous Coronary Invention (pPCI Services) at Altnagelvin Hospital. The service will treat approximately 50-60 Donegal patients each year who suffer a suspected ST-Elevation Myocardial infarction (heart attack). Heart attack patients within 90 minutes road time, who previously would have been transported to University Hospital Galway by road or air, will now be transported the shorter distance to Altnagelvin Hospital for emergency treatment. In addition, a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist employed by the Saolta Group, has been appointed to Letterkenny University Hospital and will contribute to the delivery of the pPCI service from Altnagelvin, participating in the on-call rota.  Dr Killeen noted, “This project is a further example of the developing links between the Saolta Group and the Western Trust. Patients from Donegal will also shortly have access to Radiotherapy services at Altnagelvin.  We look forward to continuing to strengthen these links with our colleagues in the Western Trust for the benefit of all of our patients”.