No extra beds for the North West hospitals in 2018 HSE Plan
No new beds have been approved for any hospital in the North West region as part of the HSE’s 2018 Service Plan. The plan sets out how the HSE will spend it’s budget over the coming year. However, the plan is already coming in for much criticism for failing to…
HPV vaccine campaigner hits out at head of HSE and Minister over comments
A north west campaigner for greater clarity about the HPV cervical cancer vaccine has hit out at both the head of the HSE and the Minister for Health over their comments on the issue. Minister Harris yesterday called on people he regards as unqualified to give advice about the vaccine…
Health Minister confirms ‘final stages’ of Orkambi talks underway
The HSE will today enter the ‘final stages’ of talks to agree the price of a major new drug for Cystic Fibrosis. Senior management will spend the rest of the week in discussions with Vertex over the cost of the drug Orkambi. It’s been heralded as a ‘wonder drug’ for…
Minister commits to medical cards for all children on DCA payments
The Minister for Health has committed to granting full medical cards to all children whose parents are getting the domicillary care allowance. The allowance is given to parents of children under 16 with a severe disability, who requires ongoing care and attention. Donegal Fianna Fail TD Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher…
Investigation raises concerns about accountability in health system
A Donegal cancer campaigner says last night’s investigation into waiting times in Ireland raises concerns about what else the public is not being told about our health system. It follows an RTE Investigates programme that found tens of thousands of patients aren’t included on official waiting list figures. The National…
TD calls for clarification on future of Mountcharles respite
There have been calls for the HSE to clarify what services will be available in the future at a Mountcharles respite home. Independent TD for Donegal Thomas Pringle raised the issue in the Dail this week after services were cut at the Seaview Respite Home. Over 100 families were availing…
Trolley Crisis: Minister says review of bed capacity is underway
A consultant in Emergency Medicine in the North West says a lack of beds remain the root cause of the trolley crisis each year. Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Sligo University Hospital, Dr. Fergal Hickey, says that until bed capacity is increased the problem will continue. The HSE and the…