1,059 residents in Birr MD forced to travel for healthcare services

LOCAL Election Candidate Aubrey Claffey has unveiled new data shedding light on the significant number of residents travelling to access healthcare services at Midoc in Tullamore.

The latest revelations underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive reassessment and review of healthcare services in the region to ensure equitable access and quality care for all residents within their communities.

This information was uncovered through parliamentary questions submitted by Aontú party leader Peadar Tóbín, demonstrating Aontú's commitment to transparency and bringing clear and accurate information to the community.

According to Mr Claffey's findings, a staggering 1,059 individuals attended Midoc in Tullamore from just five towns in the Birr Local Electoral Area over the span of four months. These towns include Birr, Banagher, Cloghan, Kinnitty, and Ferbane, with 586 individuals attending from the Birr area alone.

"The data paints a stark picture of the healthcare challenges facing our community," says Mr Claffey. "The fact that over 1,000 residents had to travel to Tullamore for essential healthcare services is deeply concerning and highlights the urgent need for enhanced healthcare provisions within our community."

Aubrey Claffey also raises concerns about the inability of residents to access primary care services within their own communities. Many individuals are facing lengthy travel times of 30-40 minutes to attend GP appointments, this is due to local doctors at capacity and unable to accommodate more patients.

"It is unacceptable that residents are being forced to endure long journeys to access basic healthcare services," Mr Claffey asserts. "In a landscape where state-of-the-art primary care centres are being constructed, it's disheartening to see the lack of adequate services within these facilities. We risk having beautiful buildings but no essential healthcare services accessible to our community members."

Aubrey Claffey emphasises the urgent need to reassess and re-evaluate the current healthcare system based on figures uncovered through parliamentary questions. "Without a thorough examination of these figures and a re-evaluation of our healthcare infrastructure, we run the risk of investing in infrastructure that lacks essential services," says Mr Claffey.

In light of these findings, Mr Claffey seeks further clarification on whether individuals are utilising Midoc services due to the inaccessibility of core HSE services in the area, and whether staff members from core HSE services are also involved in the running of Midoc. Additionally, Mr Claffey calls for an understanding of the overall figures attending Midoc in Tullamore and urges for a plan to conduct a new review and assessment in 2024, given the significant changes in the healthcare environment of the region.

As healthcare remains a key priority in Aubrey Claffey's manifesto for the Birr Municipal District, he remains committed to advocating for the well-being of the community and ensuring transparency in the decision-making process. ‘’I firmly believe that healthcare reform is essential for our communities. Ensuring people can access the right healthcare at the right time is non-negotiable,’’ says Mr Claffey. “If we can uncover the numbers that drive the rationale for proper assessment and review, then Aontú remains committed to that cause.”

Aontú is committed to continuing to submit parliamentary questions to clarify and conduct a deeper dive into the data, driving change and ensuring the best possible outcomes for the community.