Concern is being expressed in Clare after it emerged that the HSE is to close its Ennis store, from where it provides vital medical equipment like wheelchairs.
The Aids and Appliances store in Tobertascain will close in the New Year, in favour of a new centralised system, which will see what’s described as an “administrative service” located in Ennis.
The statement also says central hubs will be located in each county, while the new system will be more efficient and ensure compliance with relevant standards.
Independent Barefield Councillor Ann Norton, whose family has availed of the service for over 20 years, is concerned people will no longer have the face-to-face contact they have in the store.
She says they’re losing an important lifeline for disabled people and their carers
HSE Statement
The HSE can confirm that following review and consultation with all stakeholders, a new Aids and Appliances Service is commencing in the Mid-West in January 2020. This new model will be more efficient, ensure compliance with relevant standards and enable a more equitable approach to service delivery across the Mid-West.
This new service will see central hubs in each county, whilst the Stores Facility will close in Clare, a regionalised Administrative Service for Aids & Appliances will be located in Ennis.
This new service will improve service provision to clients across the region.
