TD's concern for opthamology services in Tipp
Sinn Féin TD Martin Browne has written to the HSE and the Department of Health on the suspension of services provided at the community eye clinic in Clonmel, Co Tipperary owing to the retirement of an ophthalmologist.
Teachta Browne said: “It is troubling to note that the community eye clinic which provides ophthalmology services to medical card holders and school children with medical eye problems, has suspended services due to a recent retirement.
“The fact that a single retirement causes the suspension of these services, brings home precisely why healthcare workers were forced to demonstrate at posts not being filled within the health service.
“This failing is even more pronounced given that despite staff dealing with growing waiting lists for children and adults since the retirement at the beginning of October, no indication has been given as to whether the post has been advertised.
“I have written to the HSE and the Department of Health questioning exactly why this was allowed to come about.
“If a post is expected to be made vacant at some stage in the future, then it is only sensible to put in place a plan to fill that role, without having to leave it vacant.
“Unfortunately, the shambolic approach taken by the Health Minister has created a system that allows posts to go unfilled, with the consequences for patients, waiting lists, and for staff that we are all aware of.
“In government Sinn Féin would place a particular focus on workforce planning. This extends beyond just recruitment. It involves the development of population-based care and capacity plans, as well as universal access to community-based therapy, counselling and other services.
“The absence of such an approach is exactly what caused the government to introduce the recruitment embargo – because they never had a proper workforce plan and lost control of recruitment.
“Sinn Féin has a plan. We just need the people to give us the opportunity to prove how this plan will transform our health landscape for the better.
“In the meantime, I am committed to campaigning for improved services for all our communities.
“This is something I have a significant record on and is something I am proud to do.”