Senator Jimmy Harte has asked the HSE to communicate any proposed changes to their care packages to those affected as a lack of information leads to inaccurate debate in the country.
He described it as not without some classic bad timing and bad taste that the HSE announce further cuts for care of the disabled and the elderly at the height of the Para-Olympics.
The Labour Party Senator said the latest cuts seem to have no regard for patient care or their front line staff who will “once again bear the brunt of these draconian and ill judged cuts.”
“The Minister for Health and the Department need to take full responsibility for the health service and restore accountability by re-establishing the regional health boards such as the Noth Western Health Board, which should never have been abolished.
“The HSE is speaking in confusing language when it comes to elderly care – on one hand saying that it wants to keep our senior citizens out of costly nursing homes, so that they can preferably be cared for and live at home, he said.
“However, these additonal cuts on an already depleted support service in the areas of home helps and home care packages will not save a penny; put families and elderly under for stress and duress and drive more elderly into seeking care in private and community nursing homes. How does that add up?” he asked.
The Letterkenny politician said anyone working in the frontline of the HSE will tell you how savings can be made in terms of waste, admin and operations.
“The proposed cuts to special need citizens cannot be allowed to happen . I have been in contact today with the Tanaiste’s office to voice my concerns on these serious developments.”
Senator Harte said he has spoken to the HSE as well as concerned families and said he will seek answers.
“I ask people to contact me with their personal concerns for family members who may be affected.
“The HSE have told me that no decisions have been made yet and they will deal with each case and I expect them to issue a statement of comfort to the people in Donegal.
“Labour must and will stand firm to protect the elderly and most vulnerable in our society,” he said.
