Clare TD addresses local health services issues with HSE CEO
CLARE health facilities are to expand their services, as one local Independant TD meets with head of HSE to push for more access to healthcare.
Independent TD and Kilrush native Violet-Anne Wynne recently met with HSE CEO, Bernard Gloster, to discuss a number of issues surrounding access to healthcare in the Mid-West.
One issue she raised with Mr Gloster was the provision of accommodation for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Clare.
“This is an issue that I have always championed in the Dáil and one that we have seen come dangerously close to boiling over in recent weeks,” TD Wynne said.
“I raised this issue directly with Minister Mary Butler before the Dáil recess and intend to raise it with her again as soon as we are back in session.
“The HSE have confirmed to me that preliminary discussions have taken place in relation to reconfiguring the current Quin Road site to increase clinical space from nine bookable rooms from the current five. They have confirmed that clinics take place in a bookable room in Kilrush Primary Care Centre one day a week.”
In addition, the HSE confirmed that 10 bookable clinical spaces in the Spindle Unit of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Ennis is coming on-stream to be shared with people with disabilities and that a group therapy space is also available.
In September, the arrangements for use of these spaces will be finalised, and are currently with the HSE Mid-West Disabilities team.
Referring to CAMHS being a ‘central priority’ of hers, TD Wynne said: “I want to welcome the news of this additional accommodation and I am hopeful that it will significantly improve culture and morale within CAMHS in Clare.
“It is essential that these vacancies are filled as a matter of priority, and I will continue to liaise with the HSE on the same.
“I am hopeful that the CEO will have these vacancies filled and this expansion work started before our next meeting before Christmas, where I will be focusing on getting West Clare CAMHS relocated to Kilrush on a permanent basis and the creation of a third CAMHS team to serve the Ennis area.”