It’s claimed people in West Clare are “being used as pawns” when it comes to the provision of health services in this county.
Progess on a Primary Health Centre for Kilrush has stalled as a result of the pandemic and the HSE has now confirmed that it’s now undertaking a review of it’s facilities.
Clare’s Sinn Féin TD has accused the HSE of back-peddling on it’s commitment to the people of West Clare, as Clare FM’s Josh Prenderville reports.
The HSE has confirmed it’s undertaking a review of its facilities to provide a primary care centre in Kilrush.
The much needed development was announced back in March 2019 and expressions of interest for potential accommodation for the HSE were sought in the months afterwards.
But two years on, no work has been carried out on the ground and the Health Service Executive says it’s assessing ‘overall requirements’ in the area.
Kilrush Deputy Violet Ann Wynne is calling on the Health Minister to ensure this review is given urgent status.
She says it’s no longer acceptable to have a situation where people in the west of the county have to drive considerable lengths to get to a healthcare provider.
A West Clare health campaigner, meanwhile, believes questions need to be answered as to why primary care centres in Ennis and Sixmilebridge were prioritised over Kilrush, particularly in light of the curtailment of ShannonDoc services in recent years.
Former Kilrush Town Councillor and Reinstate Our ShannonDoc Services Campaigner, Deirdre Culligan believes the people of West Clare are being forgotten about.
