James Gilmartin speaks out on 50% cuts to supports for post mastectomy products

The Minister for Health has directed the HSE to reverse cuts to allowances for specialised bras for women who have undergone a mastectomy. 

Speaking about the cuts, James Gilmartin, a new Independent candidate for the Manorhamilton Electoral Area, said there had been "huge anger and distress in relation to shocking changes in HSE policy on post mastectomy products. 50% cuts to supports for post mastectomy products such as bras, prosthesis and swimwear have been announced by the Government in the last few days."

He continued there was "significant outrage both locally and nationally at what is seen as a penny pinching and mean spirited move by the HSE. These items are not underwear or swimwear but are medical devices that are essential to aid women in their recovery. A mastectomy is a major invasive surgery that can have both long term physical and emotional  consequences. In 2017 similar cuts were  proposed by the HSE but these were shelved due to huge public outcry. These cuts need to be immediately reversed by the Minister for Health and any future cuts to these critical supports needs to be shelved permanently."

Stephen Donnelly said that a new "threshold of support" could "lead to a number of women receiving less" allowances than previously.

The Department of Health said that the minister asked the HSE to amend the procedures to ensure that no woman, "either currently availing of the scheme or accessing it in the future, is at any financial loss as a result of these changes".

The HSE said that it "will review the procedures in relation to this issue in line with what the minister has said".