Management and medical staff in the UL Hospitals Group are being urged to stand with Clare diabetes patients in their fight for increased services.
Concern has been expressed about what’s been labelled as an “archaic service” for people suffering with the lifelong condition.
It’s estimated that nearly 2,000 people in Clare are living with diabetes.
But this week, Clare County Council heard that services for them are completely lacking, with a shortfall in staff to deliver necessary services.
The Council called on Minister Simon Harris to address these shortages, following a motion from Ennis Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard who feels Clare and the Midwest is the poor relation, compared to other parts of the country.
These staffing shortages are said to be having a serious impact on patient care.
The Clare Diabetes Support Group says people are being denied access to the latest therapeutic options and to resources that would help them manage their condition.
This in turn is said to be leaving them vulnerable to complications, including foot ulcers and even amputations.
Gráinne Flynn runs the group and says it’s time now for management within the local hospital group to row in behind them.
The UL Hospitals Group, says the staffing deficits have been identified and addressing them remains a priority. In some cases, this requires approval from the HSE for funding to create additional posts.
