Scairbh

Na

gCaorach

EMYVALE

Doc on Call et al.

The problems for Monaghan patients just keep mounting up and there does not seem to be anyone willing to do anything about it. We rant and rave and shout and lobby but the HSE just continues to do its own thing, irrespective of the problems this might create for patients and their families. The whole idea is to save money and if that means patients being put at risk and families having to pay more for travel and added costs, then so be it. They will earn their bonuses by saving the HSE money and helping to keep within budget. Meanwhile the Politicians in power, and those who might be in power, seem to have washed their hands completely and sit back to allow the unelected and unaccountable HSE do what they like.

Some of the more recent problems include – the reduction in Doc on Call cover; the reduction of maternity clinics at Monaghan General Hospital; the loss of Advanced Paramedic Cover; difficulties getting ambulance; ambulances getting lost; trolley juggling in Cavan/Drogheda/Dublin. As a result of these, and other problems, many patients have already suffered and many families have stories to tell but until they begin telling those stories things will only get worse. The situations faced and suffered must be made public as unless the examples are given to support complaints it will have little effect. There are people who can help in getting these stories out if help is needed.

Just a short statement regarding some of these problems: There will be a reduction of Doc on Call to one Doctor. This will mean that when you phone you get speaking to a Nurse and 30% of calls can be sorted by the doctor over the phone but that will not be available any more. If you need a doctor that one doctor on duty could be out on a call or driving about the backend of Cavan. The doctor on call in Drogheda will then come to your assistance by meeting with you in Castleblayney, unless he is out on a call too. Basically this is a skeletal service and people will suffer.

The number of maternity clinics in Monaghan is about to take a reduction too. There have been three consultants holding clinics each week in Monaghan but only one Consultant will hold clinics there in future. This is an obvious attempt to force expectant mothers to travel to Cavan for clinics or go elsewhere so that they can close down completely that service in Monaghan and save money – who will pay the price?

The advanced paramedic service which was introduced to the people of Monaghan with such fanfare is now nothing more than a joke. The area he/she has to cover and the reduction in hours means that the number of people who will benefit from the service is very limited but those who require that level of service will have to do without. Again who will pay the price for the money saved by the HSE?

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