The HSE has successfully recruited a Consultant Breast Surgeon to take on the role of the outgoing surgeon, Mr Manvydas Varzgalis.

Dr Varzgalis is resigning from his post to take up a new role following nine years at the Breast Care Centre at Letterkenny University Hospital.

Dr Varzgalis’ replacement will take up their appointment on a fixed-term contract in March.

A meeting of the Regional Health Forum West yesterday heard that Mr Varzgalis is continuing to work in the hospital to support Consultant Breast and General Surgeon Mr Michael Sugrue and staff at the breast service until the new surgeon arrives.

Councillor Ciaran Brogan, Chair of the Regional Health Forum West, welcomed the assurance that the appointment will give to the public.

“There is a great service there in Letterkenny over many years by a great team,” Cllr Brogan said. “It has been a victim of its own success in many ways.”

Seán Murphy, Manager of Letterkenny University Hospital, acknowledged the success of the service, adding that the hospital is in the process of replacing the Consultant permanently while planning for other staffing changes in the future.

Mr Murphy added that the search for a breast radiologist, following the retirements of Dr. Katherine McGowan and Dr. Conall Mac a Bhaird, has yielded a promising result.

A candidate has applied for the position after seven years of recruitment efforts, and is moving forward to the interview stage.

“It’s taken seven years to have a candidate apply for that job, so it is very positive,” Mr Murphy said.