Letterkenny HospitalCampaign groups have reacted angrily to reports that the gynaecology ward at Letterkenny General Hospital in Co Donegal is to close.
It is understood the HSE plans to remove or relocate the unit as part of a strategy to staff a new medical wing at the hospital. The HSE said it was looking into deploying staff in the new hospital wing.
Staff at the ward were told of plans to shut or transfer the unit in September by the director of nursing, Dr Anne Flood.
The plans have been met with disbelief by nursing unions, patients, staff and political representatives. They say the unit operates perfectly well and allows women the privacy they need at distressing times.
They claim the relocation of the unit will threaten this privacy and put the unit in danger.
The unit treats miscarriages but also deals with very sensitive issues such as hidden pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. It offers a walk-in facility in early pregnancy that checks up on babies’ health. On average, 20 women a day use this service.
Women having surgery for breast, ovarian, cervical and other cancers can recuperated in the gynaecology ward in a women-only environment.
Manager of Letterkenny General Hospital Seán Murphy said at this stage he could not give any guarantees on women-only nurses at any new gynaecology facility.