PODIATRY PATIENTS LEFT HANGING BY HSE – NASH
17 June 2019
Senator Ged Nash has said hundreds of podiatry patients in Drogheda have been ‘left hanging in the wind’ by the HSE as the podiatry clinic in the Boyne Primary Care Centre sees its days of operation cut from four days to one day a week.
The Labour Senator said;
“My understanding is that around 350 local patients are affected by this move. The HSE in the region was aware of the requirement to ensure the sustainment of the service for a period for this critical service for those with diabetes.
“A case was made to ensure continuation of a four-day service but this case was ultimately rejected by the HSE.
“The importance of this service for diabetes patients in terms of the management of their condition and the avoidance of amputations simply cannot be overstated.
“Amputations arising from the condition are clearly lifechanging and impose an enormous lifetime cost on the HSE, not to mention the incalculable human cost involved. It is startling that 60% of all amputations carried out in Ireland are diabetes-related.
“For the foreseeable future this move means that only ‘priority one’ patients will be seen at a clinic that will be held just one day a week.
“Acute hospital budget overruns and the inability of Fine Gael and Independents to manage the health service effectively comes at a human cost.
“In this case in Drogheda, it is those who use the essential podiatry clinic who will pay the price.
“I am calling on the HSE and the Minister for Health to provide for the continuation of this essential four day service immediately.”
Ends.