Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Health his plans to reinstate the rheumatology service at Letterkenny General Hospital in County Donegal; the commitment to reinstate the service upon completion of the new medical block at the hospital; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that patients are now having to travel to Sligo General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55103/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The HSE has significantly developed rheumatology services in the North West over the past two years. This has involved the appointment of two permanent rheumatologists in mid 2010 who are responsible for the delivery of the service in the North West. It is intended to re-establish an outpatient clinic at Letterkenny General Hospital

Given that the new ED / Medical Block is now opened and the second consultant in Sligo has returned from leave, discussions will now commence regarding the restoration of the outreach service. It is hoped that a service can recommence in the 1st quarter of 2013

The service is now managed regionally under the management of Sligo General Hospital. When the outreach clinic is restored it is anticipated that patients who need to be reviewed may be seen in Letterkenny General Hospital.