Tipperary TD welcomes progress on ophthalmologist recruitment but slams waiting lists
Tipperary South TD Mattie McGrath raised the matter in the Dáil this week
Independent TD for Tipperary, Mattie McGrath, has cautiously welcomed news of progress in the recruitment of a new Consultant Medical Ophthalmologist for South Tipperary, following a Parliamentary Question he submitted to the Minister for Health.
However, Deputy McGrath has expressed deep concern and disappointment at the scale of the waiting lists and the lack of financial supports for families forced into the private system due to the absence of a local specialist.
“The confirmation that a panel has now been formed and a successful candidate is going through the final recruitment stages is a welcome move,” said Deputy McGrath.
“It is absolutely vital that this appointment proceeds without further delay so we can begin to rebuild the services that were so drastically impacted by the recent retirement of the area’s only ophthalmologist.”
According to the HSE response, as of March 31, a staggering 1,783 children and 612 adults are currently waiting for ophthalmology appointments in South Tipperary. Deputy McGrath described the figures as “shocking and unacceptable.”
“These are not just numbers, these are children struggling in school because they can’t see properly, and parents at their wits’ end trying to find care that should be available locally through the public system,” he said.
Deputy McGrath also criticised the Government and the HSE for failing to provide any reimbursement or support to families forced to go private due to the absence of a functioning public service.
“It is disgraceful that families who have had no option but to pay out-of-pocket for eye appointments and glasses, purely because the State has failed to provide a basic health service, are being left completely high and dry. If the public service is unavailable, the State should step up and cover the costs.”
Deputy McGrath is now calling on the Minister for Health to introduce an emergency reimbursement mechanism and to commit additional resources to clear the backlog and prevent such situations from recurring in the future.
This vacancy occurred due to the retirement of long standing Community Ophthalmologist Dr Hillery who gave a sterling service to the community and should have been filled long ago, in advance of Dr Hillery’s retirement.
“We need urgent and sustained investment in community ophthalmology services — not just in South Tipperary, but across the country — to ensure timely care for both children and adults. I will continue to press the Minister and the HSE until this service is fully restored and families get the care and support they deserve,” concluded Deputy McGrath.