Mullingar Diabetes Unit must reopen as soon as possible says Longford TD

LONGFORD TD Micheál Carrigy is calling for Mullingar Diabetes Unit to reopen as soon as possible.

Deputy Carrigy said: “Most recently, the diabetes unit closed in Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar. That service was covering the entire midlands region and its closure leaves a severe gap in care for people with diabetes who rely on the service for support with medical devices such as insulin pumps.”

“It is only when a clinic like this closes that people who suffer from diabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes, come and explain the difference it makes in their lives. I cannot understand how we got to a situation where we do not have it staffed.”

“This is not just for Longford; it is for the midlands. It has had a severe impact on the lives of patients within my local community and further afield. I ask that it be highlighted and identified. I have looked for meetings with the management of the hospital about it. This needs to be done immediately.”

Minister Kieran O’Donnell added: “I understand that Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar has had to temporarily suspend its diabetes day service due to significant staffing shortages within its multidisciplinary diabetes team. The HSE has assured us that every effort is being made to restore the service to full capacity as soon as possible.”

Deputy Carrigy concluded: “The withdrawal of this service is negatively impacting many people across the midlands. It is of the upmost importance that the staffing shortages are addressed quickly and efficiently so that people with Diabetes continue to have the vital support of the hardworking team that was there. I am committed to ensuring this issue is resolved as quickly as possible.”