Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, has paid tribute to health and social care staff in Meath during a visit to the county.
Teachta Cullinane met with patients, staff, charities and advocates in Meath today as part of his tour of the island to hear about peoples’ experiences of healthcare.
Speaking today in Navan, Teachta Cullinane said:
“I’m delighted to be in Meath today to meet with people and discuss their experiences and views of the future of the health service. I want to thank all those who have taken the time to meet with me today and for all their contributions to this important topic.
“Today I met with campaigners and frontline healthcare workers to hear about their concerns about the future of the Navan Hospital A&E. I am aware of ongoing issues relating to the A&E here and the government’s failure to provide much needed clarity to staff and the local community.
“I am delighted that Minister Donnelly has finally clarified the future of the A&E following my representations today. It is vital that this service is delivered, so that local communities’ needs can be met.
“I was also grateful to have the opportunity to visit the Irish Wheelchair Resource and Outreach Centre in Navan and learn about the incredible work that they do. This centre is an important hub for people of all ages who use their services.
“It is crucial that people with disabilities have all of the supports that they need to meet their needs and to thrive. It is clear that much more remains to be do to make this a reality. Sinn Féin are determined to advocate for this and ensure this is delivered.
“I was also delighted to visit Enable Ireland while in Navan, to discuss with staff and families their experiences. Enable Ireland provide tremendous support to children with disabilities and their families. A number of important issues were raised on the need to strengthen services in the future, so that children will have the high quality supports they need and to ensure fairer conditions for staff.
“Issues highlighted including the need for more capacity in the service, particularly the need for additional therapists, to ensure that services can be enhanced and be sustainable.
“It is clear that across a range of sectors, change is needed to reform our health and social care system and ensure that it is fit for purpose. We need a modern healthcare system, which can deliver timely, high quality care which meets patients’ needs and ensures fair working conditions for staff.
“Sinn Féin in government would ensure that this much-needed change is delivered. I recently published my Alternative Health Budget, which sets out in a detailed, fully costed plan how I would deliver these changes as Health Minister.
“For far too long, our healthcare system has been chronically underfunded by government after government. Sinn Féin would deliver the changes needed and deliver an Irish national health service.”
