The former chief executive officer of the North Western Health Board, Pat Harvey, is one of the promoters behind a proposed multi-million euro private hospital and healthcare clinic adjacent to Letterkenny General Hospital.
Subject to planning, the 80-bed Wyndale Clinic will be operational within two years.
Mr Harvey, of North West Healthcare, told the Donegal News yesterday that Wyndale Clinic would provide up to 80 beds, offering extensive operating capacity, new diagnostics and a "state-of-the-art" radiotherapy centre. Mr Harvey met consultants at Letterkenny General Hospital on Wednesday night to brief them.
"The new private hospital and healthcare facilities will upgrade and enhance the health and hospital services in the north-west area where there are significant capacity problems and service pressures," Mr Harvey said. "This development will ensure that Donegal continues to attract and retain the highest calibre of consultants and clinicians."
North West Healthcare will meet GPs, clinicians and health service management shortly.
"The project will involve a blend between public and private where everyone benefits. The additional beds, modern diagnostic facilities and the new radiotherapy unit will mean that patients will be better served. Seriously-ill cancer patients will not have to travel for treatment as is the case at the moment," Mr Harvey said.
The site can be accessed through nearby Windy Hall or the hospital campus.
Mr Harvey is joined on the board of directors of North West Healthcare by Brian O'Donnell (chairman), a leading Irish corporate lawyer and investor; Noel Daly of the Health Partnership, Ireland's leading healthcare consultants; and Deirdre Foley-Woods, executive director of Health Partnership.
Chairman of the medical board at Letterkenny General Hospital, Dr Brian Hennessy, said he would welcome proposals that brought extra beds into the region.
"We can't get patients, public or private, into Letterkenny General Hospital. We're turning away patients, with procedures often cancelled on two or three occasions.
"We're talking about providing services for the people of the region and I don't think any proposed private hospital would be a threat," Dr Hennessy said.
"We need extra beds. If the Government wants to give us the additional beds well and good but that doesn't appear to be happening," he added.
Yesterday's announcement follows Minister for Health Mary Harney's announcement of an €11 million funding package for Letterkenny General Hospital.