Cashel cllr says respite services must improve

At the November meeting of the Health Forum South Cashel's Cllr Tom Wood called on the Health Service Executive to take whatever progressive steps are deemed necessary to improve respite care for children and adults in the county.

While acknowledging that the demand for the service was increasing he said it was unacceptable to have centres open only on a part-time basis, closed 10 to 15 days every month.

With reference to a recent announcement from Minister Finian McGrath whereby an allocation of €4.5 million was been made available nationally, he wondered what if any impact it would have towards improving the Tipperary situation?

In response, Ms Kate Killeen White, Head of Social Care in the HSE South Division, said, they were currently doing a costing exercise to see what was required to bring respite care up to standard.

Cllr Wood intends placing the matter on the next Forum agenda with a view to securing a positive response and action.