Danny Healy-Rae urges continuation of Northern Ireland health scheme
Danny Healy-Rae urged the government to continue the Northern Ireland Planned Health Care Scheme beyond 31 December. He warned that patients needing cataract removal and hip and knee replacements risk losing eyesight or remaining in pain if the scheme ends.
Appeal to extend cross-border care
Danny Healy-Rae appealed strongly for the Northern Ireland Planned Health Care Scheme to remain in place after the 31st of December, stressing that many people still require cataract removals, hip replacements and knee procedures.
Patients at risk
He warned that without continuation of the scheme people will lose their eyesight and will continue to suffer pain from unmet orthopaedic needs, emphasizing the human consequences for those awaiting interventions.
Waiting list initiative and funding
He referenced the waiting list initiative, noting that up to 350 million has been spent and that efforts are being made to procure treatments for patients in different locations to reduce delays.
Government response and review
He recalled that the minister had provided the scheme after Brexit invalidated the cross-border directive and said the arrangement will be reviewed at the end of December, with a commitment to come back to the Deputy on the outcome.
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Teachta, Thousands of people who needed their cataracts to be removed, people who needed their hips replaced and knees availed, first of all, the cross-border directive, which has been followed this year with the Northern Ireland Planned Health Care Scheme. Teachta, as many people still need these interventions, and clearly our own health service is in serious jeopardy, I'm asking you and your government, will you continue the Northern Ireland Planned Health Care Scheme after the 31st of December, as it is deemed on that date? I'm appealing to you very strongly because people will lose their eyesight, people will continue to be in pain with knees and hips and other interventions that they need. I'm asking you, will you continue that scheme, please? I think Minister Donnelly did respond and did provide this scheme, given Brexit, because obviously Brexit and the decision around Brexit invalidated the cross-border directive, unfortunately, which would be outside of our control. And we're very anxious to make sure that we can, under the waiting list initiative, up to 350 million has been spent, and that every effort will be made to procure treatments for people in different locations. And certainly we'll review this at the end of December, and I'll come back to the Deputy and respect that. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much.
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