Martin Kenny TD urged podiatry services to be restored in Leitrim

Martin Kenny Sinn Fein TD for Sligo, Leitrim, Nth Roscommon and Sth Donegal has described the lack of podiatry services for diabetic patients in Leitrim as appalling.

Deputy Kenny said: “I have been contacted by numerous people throughout Leitrim who cannot access podiatry services in the county. After writing to the HSE on patients behalf I have been informed by the HSE that the Chronic Disease Management Diabetes Team is on a reduced cohort of staff including podiatrists.

“They cannot fill vacant posts due to the HSE recruitment freeze. This is an appalling situation for many diabetic patients in Leitrim. There only option is to try and get an appointment in a Sligo clinic or go to a private clinic in Leitrim.

“I have been contacted by one individual who is over 80 years of age and cannot travel to an appointment in Sligo. He needs to attend a local clinic. Another individual needs to attend monthly clinics but is lucky if they can get an appointment ever three months in Sligo.

“This situation cannot continue, and I would call on the HSE and the Minister for Health to restore full podiatry services for Diabetic patients in Leitrim.”