'People’s health is not a can to be kicked down the road' a call to action on Tipperary's services

Tipperary TD Michael Lowry has said the government needs to ‘get a grip’ on health services in Tipperary. 

The deputy called the situation at UHL ‘out of control’ and ‘chaotic’ during a Regional Group Private Members Bill on Pre-Hospital Emergency Care and Community Care in the Dáil on Wednesday. 

He also said it was impossible to have confidence in what the UHL group say. 

“Regarding UHL we were told that the Injury Units at Nenagh and Ennis would be upgraded, developed and expanded to cater for patients that do not necessarily need to go to an overcrowded UHL. Yesterday, the Nenagh Unit was closed due to staff shortages. 

“UHL has cancelled 600 surgeries in the past six weeks. This beggars belief. If the Injury Unit in Nenagh was properly developed and utilised, it has the ability to reduce pressure on UHL. We got assurances that this would happen – instead we get the opposite,” said Mr Lowry. 

AMBULANCES

Mr Lowry said centralisation of emergency care as well as an under-resourced ambulance service, puts patients at risk of death or serious complications. 

“When the misjudged decision to close A&E Departments in Hospitals such as Nenagh General was being fought, we all became very familiar with the term, Golden Hour,” said Mr Lowry. 

The Golden Hour he said is the first 60 minutes when medical professionals have the best chance of successfully treating patients. 

He said when the A&E in Nenagh was closed, there was a fear that waiting for care might “prove fatal”. 

“We need a properly resourced and fully staffed Ambulance Service to meet these demands. This fact can no longer be ignored. People’s health is not a can that can continue to be kicked down the road.

“People deserve the security of knowing that if an ambulance is called it will arrive within the fastest possible time,” said Mr Lowry. 

OUT OF HOURS

The Tipperary TD said people are criticised for calling an ambulance where there is no need. 

But this is caused by issues around GP Out-Of-Hours Services. 

He said in north Tipperary, Roscrea is covered by a mobile service in Thurles. 

‘Not everyone is in a position to drive 20 miles in the middle of the night with a child, adult or elderly person who may require medical attention. In many cases, it is not wise or safe to do so. In other cases, people do not have transport.

“Their only access to Medical Care is to call an ambulance and, in times of illness, people will do whatever they can to get help. They cannot be faulted for taking the only choice open to them.

“I have highlighted the escalating crisis with Out-of-Hours medical care in Tipperary many times. Neglect of these vital services has been steadily allowed to reach this crisis point. It didn’t happen overnight.