I seek the support of members in calling on the HSE Manager for Sligo/Leitrim/West Cavan Mr. Damien McCallion to attend the September meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District to explain the rationale about the withdrawal of day care services in Mohill Community Hospital & how the NowDoc operates in Leitrim.
Minutes:
It was agreed by the Members that Motion No 5 in the name of Councillor Sean McGowan and Motion No 11 in the name of Councillor Thomas Mulligan be taken concurrently as they relate to the same issue.
"I seek the support of members in calling on the HSE Manager for Sligo/Leitrim/West Cavan Mr. Damien McCallion to attend the September meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District to explain the rationale about the withdrawal of day care services in Mohill Community Hospital & how the NowDoc operates in Leitrim."
To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Thomas Mulligan – Day Services in Mohill
"That we call on the HSE to meet with the Councillors from the Carrick on Shannon area to outline their plans with regard to Day Services in Mohill."
Councillor Sean McGowan said people using this service are from a wide geographical area and are very disappointed in having to move to Ballinamore for services. Councillor Sean McGowan proposed that a representative from the HSE attend a meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District to explain the rationale in withdrawing day care services from Mohill and he called for these services to be reinstated. Councillor Sean McGowan acknowledged that the covid pandemic has had a significant impact on services.
Councillor Thomas Mulligan expressed his concerns with the removal, by the HSE, of day care services from Mohill to Ballinamore. Councillor Mulligan said he believed that the problem can be rectified at a small price. Regardless of cost, some very elderly people have to undergo 1 hour of a journey to Ballinamore and 1 hour return to avail of services. Councillor Mulligan said this service has been in Mohill for many years and many families have benefited from this and it is an absolute shame if this service could not be justified in Mohill. He proposed that a representative from the HSE come to a meeting of the Municipal District to discuss Mohill Day Care services.
Councillor Enda Stenson supported the Motion.
Councillor Des Guckian agreed with both motions and proposed that an online meeting be arranged with a HSE Manager to meet the members of Carrick-on-Shannon MD. Councillor Guckian said travel is very demanding on ill and elderly people.
Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said this is a small community service being lost and it is a big step for people to travel to Ballinamore to avail of services that were previously provided in Mohill. Cllr Armstrong McGuire said this matter should be referred to Mr. Frank Morrison of the HSE who has responsibility in this regard. Councillor Armstrong McGuire said as a Member of the HSE Forum, she will raise this issue through the pathways available to Members on the HSE Forum as there are no meetings taking place currently.
Councillor Paddy Farrell said he will be calling on the HSE to reverse this decision.
Councillor Sean McGowan also referred to the NowDoc service and highlighted a recent incident where NowDoc referred a person to A&E without treating them, however the person’s own doctor was able to successfully treat their injury the following day. Councillor Sean McGowan said the NowDoc service is not good enough in this regard and this should also be raised with the HSE.
On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Sean McGowan
SECONDED by Cllr. Thomas Mulligan
It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council call on the HSE Manager for Sligo/Leitrim/West Cavan to attend the September meeting of Carrick on Shannon Municipal District to explain the rationale about the withdrawal of day care services in Mohill Community Hospital & how the NowDoc operates in Leitrim.
On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Thomas Mulligan
SECONDED by Cllr. Enda Stenson
It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council call on the HSE to meet with the Councillors from the Carrick on Shannon area to outline their plans with regard to Day Services in Mohill.