Tory islanders have been left outraged after being informed by the HSE that the island will not have a nurse for the next ten days.
It is the latest blow to the population of approximately 140 islanders who live 14 kms of the mainland.
The island is serviced by two full-time nurses who rotate their time on a fortnightly basis.
However, a HSE memo was forwarded to islanders stating that no nurse will be available to the island from 1pm today, February 13th until February 23rd next.
The memo also advised people on the island to pick up prescriptions by 1pm today.
“In case of an emergency please contact your GP or Nowdoc after surgery hours,” reads the memo.
One islander, who asked not to to be named, said “The HSE are leaving the most vulnerable in our community in a very difficult situation with some having to reside on the mainland for a time to avail of medical services.”
The HSE has previously been criticised for leaving islanders without any nursing cover.
Last October, islanders once again faced a week without any nursing cover.
On that occasion Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty, said the proposal was very concerning.
He said “It is so frustrating that residents of Ireland’s most remote island find themselves in this position again.
“This is a situation that occurs far too often. It’s an issue that I raise repeatedly when it happens and the HSE know how important it is to those living on Tory that this does not happen.”
A spokesperson for the HSE confirmed the island will be without a nurse for the next ten days.
The spokesperson said “A review of all planned nursing activities has taken place and has been addressed for this period. Mainland PHN Services are available for any queries or nursing requirements that may arise over this period.
“As an additional control, local GPs, Pharmacies, Community Intervention Nursing Team, NoWDOC and the Coast Guard have been advised. The HSE wish to apologise for any inconvenience at this time.”
