Clare members of the Regional Health Forum West feel there is a ‘complete lack of urgency’ from the HSE to solve overcrowding issues in the region.
Political representatives from this county were briefed by Paul Reid at a meeting last night.
Sources from last night’s briefing with the HSE CEO, who met with TDs, Senators and Councillors from Clare, Limerick and Tipperary, say there was ‘nothing solid or tangible’ discussed at the event.
Members from this county who sit on the Regional Health Forum West group have given a lukewarm reaction to the briefing, as well as Mr Reid’s comments on Clare FM’s Morning Focus programme.
An elective-only hospital in the region has been called for for a number of months by campaigners, though the all-party Slaintecare plan only provides for such facilities in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
Ennis Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard feels there isn’t sufficient understanding of what she claims is ‘an Eircode lottery’ facing patients in Clare and throughout the Midwest region.
Meanwhile, a West Clare member of the Forum says it’s no longer solutions to the problem that are needed, but an examination of how these solutions are implemented by senior hospital management.
Cillian Murphy believes the HSE not looking to upgrade the likes of Ennis and Nenagh hospitals would be a mistake.
The Kilkee-based Fianna Fail representative ‘starting from scratch’ in the provision of health services in the Midwest region may be the only option.
Listen back to the full interview here:
