Health Minister visits rain-hit Letterkenny hospital
Flood damage at Letterkenny General Hospital caused by torrential rain has been described as “very serious”.
As the major clean-up operation at Letterkenny General Hospital continues with the help of around 500 volunteers, Fine Gael TD Joe McHugh said it has been a traumatic time for all concerned.
Health Minister James Reilly today visited the hospital to survey the damage after serious flooding on Friday forced staff to shut the emergency department, which is to remain closed throughout the week.
“I am aware from speaking with some of the hospital staff over the weekend that this is a very traumatic time for the staff,” Mr McHugh said.
“The damage caused by the flooding is very serious, and I commend hospital management and staff for a very swift response to the crisis.”
He said the health minister has committed to working “step-by-step” with Letterkenny General as it recovers from the damage caused.
Emergency patients are continuing to be diverted to Sligo Regional Hospital and Altnagelvin Hospital, in Co Derry.
Letterkenny also remains closed to visitors.
Elective inpatient and day case surgery for tomorrow and Tuesday will be rescheduled to a later date.
Endoscopy, physiotherapy and cardiac investigation appointments, and radiology appointments will also be postponed to a later date.
The hospital was forced to declare an emergency situation after torrential rain flooded a number of different areas, leaving them damaged and soiled.
Areas worst hit by the flooding on Friday evening included the emergency department, and the radiology, outpatients, pathology and medical records departments.
Several wards and kitchens were also flooded.
