Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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54. To ask the Minister for Health if the Saolta group has developed a urology strategy for the north west in particular to ensure that there is a consultant urologist for Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37776/16]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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88. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to appoint a consultant urologist for Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37775/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 88 together.

During 2017, the Hospital Groups will be developing strategic plans for the development of services in their region. As part of its Strategic Plan, the Saolta University Healthcare Group will develop its strategy for urology services.

The Saolta Group envisages that it will operate a hub and spoke urology service model with a sub-hub in the North West.

This sub-hub will provide the majority of urology care locally, as a component of a Group-wide department. This will facilitate rapid access to the cancer centre in Galway for operative cancer care, with longer term local follow-up and surveillance. This will require additional urologists based in the Northwest, with strong links to the Model 4 hospital in Galway.

Following the retirement of the Letterkenny University Hospital Consultant Urologist in March 2015, a visiting Urologist from University Hospital Galway provides out-patient urology services, while a part-time locum provides in-patient and elective day surgery cover. The Saolta Group plans to recruit an Advanced Nurse Practitioner for Letterkenny University Hospital to support the delivery of urology services at the Hospital.