Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
121. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if she will meet with an organisation (details supplied) to discuss their serious and ongoing concerns about the service at Letterkenny University Hospital to people from Donegal living with type 1 diabetes. [3632/26]
View answerThe Government and the HSE are committed to improving access to care for people living with Diabetes. A great deal of progress has been made in addressing previous resourcing challenges in diabetes care in Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH), serving the people of Donegal.
LUH has approval for three full-time consultant endocrinologist posts, one of who will work in both community and acute settings. Two of these posts have been filled, and a candidate has been offered the third role, subject to clearances. A further 2 endocrinologists have been working a small number of part-time hours.
LUH has increased the number of Diabetes Type 1 & Type 2 clinics to 14 per week. This is expected to increase further once the new consultant commences in their role.
An Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) for Type 1 Diabetes has been recruited and is due to commence soon, subject to clearances.
One Adult Pump clinic is facilitated per month. In addition, there are Paediatric Injection Clinics and Pump Clinics held twice per month and an ANP clinic facilitated twice weekly. This service is supported by dietitians, when available, and a basic grade podiatrist.
There are currently two podiatrists in post.
I met with the organisation in question in May 2025 and I understand that they have regular meetings with the HSE team at LUH and are kept up to date on resourcing matters for diabetes care in LUH. I would naturally be happy to meet with this organisation again, subject to diary commitments.
