Deputy Daly highlighted the project’s omission during a parliamentary debate, stressing that a €7.8m investment for 20 dedicated rehabilitation beds was first pledged in 2015. While the project advanced through design phases in recent years, it was notably absent from the latest capital plan.

“The people of Roscommon-Galway deserve a transparent explanation as to why this critical infrastructure appears to have been mothballed,” Deputy Daly said. He noted that the west of Ireland faces a significant shortfall in neurorehabilitation beds, with availability varying widely across the country –from 6.4 beds per 100,000 people in some regions to 45 per 100,000 in others.

Daly argued that patients in the west are forced to seek specialist rehabilitation in Dublin, leading to delayed access, unsuitable care settings, and increased long-term dependency. Citing economic concerns, he said specialist rehabilitation has been proven to reduce costs over time, stating that early intervention recoups costs after only 16 months and is a “proven, evidence-based solution.”

In response, Minister of State at the Department of Health Kieran O’Donnell (Fine Gael) confirmed that the rehabilitation unit remains part of the updated spatial plan for 2024-25. He stated that infrastructure projects must undergo thorough review processes before being included in the capital investment programme.

O’Donnell outlined that a new spatial review of Roscommon University Hospital commenced in 2024 to assess site ward expansion, the replacement of existing facilities, and the possibility of locating a replacement acute adult mental health unit.

Deputy Daly remained sceptical, pointing to what he described as ongoing neglect of Roscommon University Hospital following the controversial 2011 reconfiguration. While acknowledging the hospital’s success as a model 2 facility – with a well-utilised medical assessment unit, endoscopy services, and a minor injuries unit – he stressed that commitments made during reconfiguration must be honoured.

The post Concerns raised over rehab unit’s omission from HSE capital plan appeared first on Roscommon People.

Senator Gareth Scahill (Fine Gael) received an update from the office of Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill this week concerning the development of a new Primary Care Centre (PCC) in Ballaghaderreen.

The update confirmed that the HSE had terminated its agreement with the previously selected provider after the developer failed to commence work within the required three-month window.

According to the email the developer subsequently informed the HSE they could no longer proceed at the agreed rental rates which they committed to in their tender submission.

According to a spokesperson for the minister, three options are under consideration to move the project forward. The options being considered by the HSE are purchasing the proposed site with planning permission from the previous preferred provider at market value and the HSE would either tender works directly or run a ‘sale leaseback’ operational lease model with the site; purchasing an alternative site or building, if available, and the HSE would design and tender the works directly, or the HSE would re-advertise operational lease offering to the market.

The minister’s office says that officials in the Department of Health are “engaging with the HSE” to determine the best course of action to deliver the facility as expediently as possible.

Based on the recent developments as confirmed by the Health Minister, the future of the long-delayed Ballaghaderreen PCC is uncertain.

Fianna Fáil councillor Sean Moylan (Boyle MD) had previously sought an update on the PCC at the Regional Health Forum. First proposed in 2012, the plan for the new centre, located on Convent Road, included a modern two-storey facility with a GP suite, pharmacy, and a range of medical services across 13,300 square feet.

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And there is evidence for up to a three year delay in the provision for audiology services in many parts of the country, according to Ireland’s leading Deaf and Hard for Hearing charity, Chime.

The HSE figures have been condemned by Chime, which slammed what it dubbed ‘shocking’ delays revealing  a ‘dysfunctional’ system.

Nationally, the growth for audiology treatment waiting lists, from 20,000 in 2020 to over 26,500 in 2024, has been roundly condemned by Chime.

Almost half of those awaiting audiology treatment are children under the age for 18.

Chime urged the Department of Health to immediately introduce an audiology waiting list initiative to deal with delays in treatment.

It says that the HSE needs to consider using private sector providers to help reduce waiting times and eliminate duplication and a waste of resources.

“Undiagnosed hearing loss amongst children can lead to significant challenges, including speech and language delay, learning difficulties, and social isolation,” said Chime CEO, Mark Byrne.

“Among adults, there is a strong link between hearing loss and the early onset of dementia, but someone who is 82 may be 85 by the time they get an audiology referral appointment.

“The World Health Organisation has pointed out that early intervention actually saves governments money in reduced health care costs.”

Chime says many people with undiagnosed hearing difficulties are having to go to private providers and avail of the Department of Social Protection Treatment Benefit Scheme.

And it states that Health Minister, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, must ensure the working group established by the previous government to develop a National Hearing Care Plan finalises and brings forward its findings urgently.

Mr Byrne said national and regional figures are shocking and getting worse and he is particularly concerned about the growing number of undiagnosed hearing loss cases among children.

Chime audiologist, Sinead Dolan, highlighted the case of a woman in the midlands who waited 12 months for a HSE audiology appointment before her GP suggested she go to Chime, which was able to promptly provide her with hearing aids under the Treatment Benefit Scheme.

“She became increasingly isolated and frustrated by her hearing loss during that time. She feels her life is transformed, but she should not have had to wait for a year,” she said.

Chime provides advice, services and community support to Deaf or Hard of Hearing people, and continues to advocate for equal rights and full inclusion in every part for society, www.chime.ie

The post Roscommon has 758 on audiology waiting list appeared first on Roscommon People.

“The ambulance service in Roscommon is being downgraded.

“It started with the use of a Paramedic on the Advanced Paramedic roster despite a commitment for a Rapid Response Vehicle with 24/7 Advanced Paramedic cover in Roscommon following the closure of the A&E.

“Now the latest is the removal of the Rapid Response Vehicle on Thursdays, which removes this viral emergency service once a week in Roscommon.

“I want the 24/7 roster restored at Roscommon and this needs to be done urgently.

“We are seeing the downgrading of the emergency ambulance service where we have no A&E and we are further away from our next nearest A&E. We are also still without the same access to the Air Ambulance where the majority of calls for it come from County Roscommon. It was due to return in January, it is now March and we are still waiting.

“I am really concerned as to the wider policy in the National Ambulance Service which doesn’t seem to acknowledge or respect the role of Advanced Paramedics anymore. They have stopped training them and yet, Advanced Paramedics are the only Paramedics that provide advanced life support in emergency cases.

“On the one hand the Minister stated that patient demand continues to rise with nearly 430,000 urgent and emergency calls last year yet, the National Ambulance Service are not training Advanced Paramedics.

“The Minister acknowledged the role I played in establishing 24/7 ambulance cover in Loughglynn and I welcome that however, it is important to say that was achieved thanks to engagement with the previous Director of the National Ambulance Service, the current Director does not engage.”

The post Further downgrading of Ambulance cover in Roscommon “unacceptable” – Kerrane  appeared first on Roscommon People.

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Living Well is for adults over 18 years living with one or more long term health condition(s). The programme is also suitable for carers.

Living Well is a non-clinical programme which uses a peer-to-peer model, in that it is generally delivered by people who are living with a long term health condition themselves. The programme supports participants to develop the confidence and skills to better manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

Living Well is available online and in-person. Support is provided as required to help participants access and use the online platform.

According to Claire Hennigan, HSE Self Management Support Coordinator, “We would like to encourage adults living with long term health conditions and their carers to avail of this evidence based programme. Participants in our area have provided a wealth of positive feedback on the impact of Living Well on their everyday lives. The effectiveness of the programme has been made evident in international and Irish research studies, in terms of improving quality of life and confidence for self-managing health”.

To register for the programme:

Email: fcunnane@southmayo.com  or Phone: 087 718 5615

The post HSE rolls out Living Well programme appeared first on Roscommon People.

The app, launched by Fine Gael TD and Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, is now available for download on Google Play and the App Store.

Senator Scahill described the launch as “a game-changer in how people in Roscommon/Galway will engage with their health information, offering a seamless and secure way to access key health services and personal records at their fingertips.”

Key Features of the HSE Health App include:

• Digital versions of Medical, GP, Drug Payment Scheme, and European Health Insurance Cards
• Vaccination records – COVID-19 & Flu
• Details of reimbursed medications and a safe place to store personal medication lists
• Information on HSE services, including Emergency Departments and Injury Units
• Health & Wellbeing resources, including easy access to the HSE’s health guides
• Maternity service appointment access for expectant mothers

Speaking on the launch of the app, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill emphasised: “This app is just the beginning. We are committed to expanding its capabilities to give people better access, control, and convenience in managing their health. By embracing technology, we are making healthcare more accessible for everyone.”

Senator Scahill added: “The HSE Health App will continue improving, with ongoing updates in 2025. These will include access to public hospital and screening appointments for public patients, as well as new self-care tools for quitting smoking and managing chronic conditions. I will work with our local rep’s Cllr. Liam Callaghan, Cllr Domnick Connolly and Cllr Valerie Duffy to guide people on downloading and using this great resource”

The HSE Health App is free to download from the HSE website, Google Play, and the App Store by searching “HSE Health”. It is available in both Irish and English, with step-by-step guidance provided for easy setup.

For further details, visit www.hse.ie.

The post Patients in Roscommon Galway can now access all their health information in new HSE app – Senator Scahill appeared first on Roscommon People.

The four practices that are accepting medical card patients at present are located in Athlone, Boyle, Castlerea, and Roscommon Town. In her response to Scahill, Ms Cosgrove said: “Please note, some dental practices are advising that they are at capacity at the moment and may not be able to take on new patients.”

The practices that are accepting medical card patients are Dr Daniel Harney of Westside Dental in Athlone; Dr Killian Vaughan & Dr Yasmin Ali in Boyle; Dr Adrian Boyle in Castlerea, and Dr Eleanor Keaveney in Roscommon Town.

The post Only four dental practices accepting medical card patients in Roscommon appeared first on Roscommon People.

The HSE confirmed that while a lease was signed in late 2024, the developer failed to submit necessary documentation, making a new tender process necessary.

Fianna Fáil councillor Sean Moylan (Boyle MD), a member of the Regional Health Forum, sought an update on the project, first proposed in 2012. Senator Gareth Scahill called the delay disappointing, stressing that the town has been repeatedly let down. He, along with councillors Moylan and Emer Kelly, had pushed for progress, with Moylan leading due to the project’s location in his municipal district. Scahill says he plans to raise the matter in the Seanad.

Moylan noted that Ballaghaderreen’s population has grown 60 per cent in seven years, yet only two GPs serve the area. He pledged to continue working on the issue with Deputy Martin Daly, while Scahill will bring it to Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

The planned Convent Road development was set to replace the existing medical centre with a modern two-storey facility including a GP suite, pharmacy, and medical services over 13,300 square feet. Further delays now loom as a new tender process gets underway.

The post Ballaghaderreen PCC plans face major setback appeared first on Roscommon People.

Teachta Kerrane said:

“The HSE has communicated with parents who have applied for an Assessment of Need for their child asking that, if they still want to be on the waiting list, they respond to the HSE to confirm this.

“This is an appalling move by the HSE, and it is laughable that the communication suggests that they are seeking this response from parents ‘in order to progress this application’ as if that means anything.

“Parents are advised that if they do not respond, their application will be closed.

“Similar to what the HSE tried to quietly do previously in terms of their Preliminary Team Assessment, in direct contravention with the law in terms of the 2005 Disability Act, this looks like another stunt to try and reduce the numbers waiting for an Assessment of Need.

“I have written to the Minister seeking that no child be removed from the waiting list for an Assessment of Need.

“The HSE appears to be doing everything but actually dealing with tackling these unacceptable waiting lists.

“Rather than creating ways around the legislation and writing to parents, putting it back on them, the HSE needs to meet their obligations to children. That means doing whatever is necessary to get children their assessments of need.”

The post No child should be removed from waiting list for Assessment of Need – Claire Kerrane TD appeared first on Roscommon People.