Commitments made to Friends of Lifford Hospital welcomed

Plans for proposed multi-million euro purpose-built Lifford Community Hospital have been welcomed.

A special meeting between the Friends of Lifford Hospital group and HSE executives on Thursday has set the wheels in motion for the new development.

The campaign for the provision of a proper community hospital facility has been going on for decades with many false dawns and disappointments. It is now understood the HSE has accepted that there is a need for this facility in their area.

It is understood there will be a new building in Lifford. It will be a one-stop shop for services like primary care, community nursing, and the like.

It is understood that it was represented by Dermot Monaghan, chief officer, Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan; Kevin Gunn, acting estates manager, HSE Estates and Frank Morrison, head of the service, Older Persons, Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo and they were very positive and constructive.

Welcoming the development, Donegal TD Pearse Doherty said: "I welcome the commitments made to the Friends of Lifford Hospital by the HSE and I would like to commend the campaign group that have tirelessly campaigned for a hospital to stay in Lifford for all the work they have done over the years.

"A hospital remaining in the area is absolutely vital and something we in Sinn Féin have worked with the group on for a long time.

"We will follow up with the HSE to determine the next steps in the process and continue to work with the campaign group in the future until we get the service up and running.

"It is hoped that today will mark a significant point along that journey.”