Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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153. To ask the Minister for Health to consider providing the support required to provide a much-needed surgical hub at Letterkenny University Hospital, given the pressures that the hospital continue to face; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24154/25]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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219. To ask the Minister for Health if she will ensure that a surgical hub is located at Letterkenny University Hospital. [24165/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 219 together.

The Programme for Government committed to establishing six new Surgical Hubs (South Dublin, North Dublin, Galway, Cork, Limerick and Waterford) and to explore the provision of an additional Surgical Hub for the North West in a timely manner. In relation to a potential site location, this is still to be determined. No matter where the hub is located, surgical capacity and activity needs to be increased in the North West region.

The HSE is currently conducting a feasibility study in relation to the potential North West hub. I understand that a business case has been developed and is due to be considered by the HSE Board at the end of this month, after which I expect it to be submitted to my Department for consideration.In the absence of the business case appraisal process being concluded I cannot give a timeframe for delivery, but the HSE understands the need to expedite the work in a timely manner. I am committed to ensuring that everyone – including the people of Donegal – have access to sufficient and appropriate surgical capacity.

All of the Hubs form a national network of elective care, to be complemented in future by the development of new Elective Treatment Centres which will further improve patient access to timely elective care. These facilities will enable us to deliver care for all patients, not just those living in a particular location or catchment area.