West Clare residents have told the Health Minister they’ve been “forgotten” when it comes to ambulance care in the region.
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill visited Kilkee this morning as part of an ongoing countywide tour today where locals and medical staff are taking the opportunity to express the reality of deficits in healthcare provision.
Former West Clare GP and Fine Gael General Election candidate Dr Tom Nolan took his opportunity to press the Minister for the need for an urgent care unit in Ennis.
He was in good company, with a large group wishing to raise their concerns.
Patrick Harte suffered an ischemic stroke in January and an air ambulance was unable to land near his property.
Fortunately, a community first responder team was on hand to attend until an ambulance could arrive.
He and his wife Dolores say the event urgently demonstrated the need for more supports.
Others were not as lucky when it came to ambulance care.
Caroline Bradley, who had to rush her own husband to hospital in February after he suffered serious injuries in a farming accident, claims the nearest ambulance was 132km away in Newcastle West.
She told the Health Minister the people of West Clare have been forgotten.
Last month Alison Clancy’s son Paudie suffered anaphylactic shock due to an egg allergy.
An ambulance was unfortunately not available and she says she had to drive to Lissycasey to meet a paramedic crew, a situation she claims was frightening.
Jennifer Carrol MacNeill is currently visiting Ennistymon where she will also meet with locals and will finish her visit later today at Ennis Hospital.
Listen to the full interview here
