Optimism grows for Fahan Health Centre's future after 'positive' meeting

There are renewed hopes for the future of the Fahan Health Centre following the latest meeting between relevant parties.

On Monday, a meeting took place in Buncrana between local elected representatives, community campaigners and senior HSE officials. 

There were fears that the centre could be closed, but a groundswell of support in the area appears to have prevented that eventuality. There will now be a nursing presence in the centre at set times.

In July, locals came out in big numbers to a public meeting in the Fowler Hall, Tooban to show their support. 

Monday’s meeting was described as ‘positive’ and the Fahan Health Center will remain open and a nurse will be available over the next few weeks.

"I'm very optimistic about the future of Fahan Health Centre after a very constructive meeting,” Councillor Jack Murray told Donegal Live.

"It was agreed that there would continue to be a nursing presence in the health centre at set times so I'm hopeful that this will relieve much of the worry in the local community.

"I want to thank the HSE for taking the concerns of the community on board and responding accordingly. I also want to pay tribute to all those in Fahan, Inch Magherabeg and elsewhere who came out in such huge numbers  to demand local services remained in the community.

"Carmel Lynch and Jacqui Molloy, in particular, deserve great thanks for their tenacity and passion for their community.

“Although we will continue to monitor developments going forward, I hope this news can be welcomed by all."

The initial fears over the possible cessation of service in Fahan Health Centre was sparked by news that the Fahan area was being managed by two public health nurses (PHNs) and a community registered general nurses (CRGNs) who cover a newly realigned area of Fahan, Buncrana lower and Muff West.