Donegal TD says latest ERSI report is concerning for the North West Region that already has limited medical resources

A North West TD says the modus operandi of the HSE in prioritising healthcare services in Galway at the expense of counties such as Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal needs to be changed immediately in order for adequate health services to be put in place for a growing and aging population.  It’s estimated that the country will need at least 40 per cent more inpatient beds in our hospitals by 2040. A new study by the ESRI suggests an additional 4,400 to 6,800 beds will be needed. Emergency Department attendances are projected to grow from 1.6 million to around 2.1 million by 2040. Donegal TD Padraig MacLochlainn, says the HSE has a tendency to locate many vital services in Galway and as a result, patients from as far as way Donegal to travel five hours to access treatment.