Fianna Fáil TD for Mayo, Dara Calleary, has raised his concerns over the numerous service closures and primary care posts being suppressed across County Mayo and Galway with the Secretary General of the Department of Health Jim Breslin.
Deputy Calleary explained, “I have repeatedly raised my fears with the HSE regarding the levels of staffing and Primary Care services provided in the West. I have made contact with the Secretary General of the Department of Health warning of the impending crisis we will have in health services in the western region if a different approach is not taken to how these posts are filled and services ran.
“I understand 153 primary care post are being suppressed and there are complete service closures in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Public Health Nursing, and other vital community services throughout both counties.
“The outgoing Government had made big claims on their policies to invest in Primary Care services yet in Mayo we are witnessing a decimation of this service.
“HSE services in the area are already stretched. There are abhorrent waiting times that are unacceptable. There is also the real threat of a significant spike in demand if the Coronavirus takes hold as is predicted.
“I have raised this serious matter with the Secretary General of the Department of Health Jim Breslin and await his response. Cuts like these will set healthcare back years in the West and will require a dedicated effort to restore them. The Department of Health must reconsider the proposed plans,” concluded Deputy Calleary.