The HSE are keeping Lettermacaward clinic closure under review

The HSE are continuing to review the situation in Lettermacaward where the health care clinic was closed following concerns being raised that the building was not fit for purpose. 

Patients who attended the Lettermacaward Health Centre (HC) are being asked to attend the primary care centre in Glenties following the closure. 

Sinn Féin Councillor Marie Therese Gallagher said the clinic that closed before Christmas needs to reopen as people have to travel to neighbouring areas to visit a doctor. Cllr Gallagher said that work on building has yet to commence and there are growing fears that works will not go ahead. 

Doctor’s dispensary in Lettermacaward needs to be upgraded and reopened

“We need to write to the HSE on behalf of all of us and get the building upgraded” - Cllr Gallagher

In a statement, the HSE said that as a result of concerns raised, a decision was taken to allow the GP to operate from Glenties as a short term measure until such time as a decision is taken regarding the future availability of the Lettermacaward HC or in the event of that building continuing to be unavailable, the prospect of identifying an alternative premises in Lettermacaward.

HSE Estates carried out a structural assessment of the building in Lettermacaward in July/August. The structural report recommends the comprehensive remedial actions required. HSE Estates has also noted that there are significant deficits in the Lettermacaward HC, with regards to Infection Prevention and Control standards, Fire Safety and Universal Access and suggests that significant investment will be required in order to bring the building in line with current standards.

The HSE continues to keep this matter under review, the statement reads.

Cllr Gallagher has proposed that a letter be written on behalf of all councillors, in the Glenties Municipal Area, to the Health Service Executive (HSE) in relation to the issue. 

“You can’t get a doctor in the Dungloe or Gaoth Dobhair area, we need to write to the HSE on behalf of all of us and get the building upgraded. The people of Lettermacaward have to travel too far,” she said.