Harkin welcomes reversal of ‘mean-spirited’ cuts to funding for post mastectomy products

Sligo/Leitrim TD Marian Harkin welcomed the decision by Minister Stephen Donnelly to ask the HSE to ensure women are not at a financial loss as a result of cuts to allowances for specialised bras for women recovering from a mastectomy. 

Prior to the announcement of the Minister's decision Deputy Harkin addressed the Taoiseach in the Dáil Deputy Harkin and described a proposed 50% cut to HSE funding for postmastectomy products including mastectomy bras, prosthesis and swimwear, as mean-spirited and cruel.

“It is really important to say that mastectomy bras, prosthesis and swimwear are not underwear or swimwear, they are medical devices, necessary to help women's recovery from the perspective of lessening the risk of lymphedema and for giving breast cancer survivors a little bit of confidence to face the world,” Ms Harkin said.

“So many people contacted me about this, they were shocked, they were angry and distressed about this mean-spirited, cruel cut to post mastectomy services.

Ms Harkin said the HSE has form when it comes to this issue, “In 2017 the HSE attempted to cut back on post mastectomy products, but a public outcry ensued and the decision was reversed, but it seems to have sneaked back in again in the last few days in this proposed 50% cut to funding.

“Women are entitled to two mastectomy bras and one or two prostheses depending on need, and one or two swimming prosthesis, again depending on need,” Ms Harkin explained to the Taoiseach, “any proposal to cut that entitlement in half is just unacceptable. I want to ask you, Taoiseach, who has decided on this policy, and will you personally intervene to change it?”

Responding, the Taoiseach said the funding cut wasn't a government decision, “I only became aware of it yesterday. I don't support that kind of penny-pinching, particularly when it involves people who are recovering from cancer,” he said.

While welcoming Mr Donnelly’s decision to ask the HSE to review its decision Ms Harkin said, “This totally unacceptable cut to women's postmastectomy services should be finally and fully taken off the table. It is crucial that we have a uniform policy across the country whereby all women, regardless of where they live, are entitled to a basic level of postmastectomy support that includes two specialised mastectomy bras, one or two prostheses and one or two swimming prostheses, depending on need. The policy should also ensure the current level of support for the provision of wigs where appropriate. It has also been brought to my attention that cuts are being proposed in the provision of wigs for alopecia sufferers and we need to see a complete reversal of this penny-pinching proposal,” Deputy Harkin concluded.