On Tuesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Lahinch based GP Dr Michael Kelleher of the Irish Medical Organisation’s GP Committee after the IMO expressed grave concern at the closure of the Acute Medical Assessment Unit at Mid Western Regional Hospital in Dooradoyle, Limerick to new GP referrals as a result of overcrowding
The Hospital had told GPs in the region that the unit currently has no room for seriously ill patients referred there by GPs. It said this was due to "a major surge" in people presenting to the Hospital’s Emergency Department since Christmas
A HSE statement said that the Acute Medical Assessment Unit reopened yesterday & a notice to this effect was issued to Mid West GPs.
This is an issue that John Cooke put to Clare Deputies Joe Carey of Fine Gael and Michael McNamara of the Labour Party
They also discussed Clare’s estimated €23.7 million price tag for repair works to infrastructure damaged by storm Christine in coastal areas will be discussed at a Cabinet meeting taking place later today
Concern was expressed concerned that receivers have been appointed to the Doonbeg Golf Club resort in West Clare.
Doonbeg Community activist Tommy Commerford spoke with John to highlight the concerns of the local community on hearing of the receivership
The Money Doctor John Lowe returned for the New Year to answer listeners’ personal finance queries
Today John had advice on home insurance or making a claim in light of the coastal damage here in Clare
He also had some general advice on getting your finances in order for 2014
See www.themoneydoctor.ie
To mark to the commencement of the new helicopter transition to all Coast Guard bases the Coast Guard in conjunction with Clare FM would like the community surrounding each base to name the helicopter that services its area,
Clare FM’s Morning Focus in its support of the wonderful work of the coast guard are running a competition to name the Shannon based helicopter which will also have a water safety theme and remind people to visit www.safetyonthewater.ie before they commence any leisure or water based activity.
The winners and 3 runners up will receive a flight in the New Shannon based Sikorsky S92 helicopter and also a tour of the Coast Guard base at Shannon Airport
Declan Geoghegan, Search & Rescue Operations Manager with the Irish Coastguard, explained.
The Clare branch of the Samaritans are beginning a new recruitment drive for new volunteers
This will take place next Tuesday 21st in Shannon at 7.30pm in the College Hotel and on Thursday 23rd at 7.30pm in Templegate Hotel, Ennis and Saturday morning 25th
Kevin Phelan joined John in studio with up to date figures for Clare and nationally on the demand for their service
Also joining John in studio was Claire – a recent Volunteer with Ennis branch
She signed up as a volunteer after a friend of hers took her own life two years ago
Claire spoke about the work she does and how it feels to be helping people by listening and encouraged people who are interested to come along and find out more.
Contact the Samaritans Helpline’s Free to caller number – 116123
Their office number is 065 6829777.
Frankie Coote, Clare ISPCA Warden, joined John in studio to speak about animal welfare
Contact Clare ISPCA Shelter on 065 6820393.
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