The HSE has confirmed it will provide PPE to Cuan Mhuire, Ireland’s largest voluntary provider of addiction treatment services and residential rehabilitation, based in Coolarne, Athenry.
The news has been welcomed by Fine Gael Galway West TD, Hildegarde Naughton, who had been contacted by Cuan Mhuire regarding a lack of PPE and that the cost of purchasing such equipment was "having an adverse effect on operations".
Upon contacting the HSE, Dep Naughton was assured the organisation had ordered a supply of PPE for the centre. "I want to thank Breda Crehan Roche, chief officer of the HSE for the exceptionally quick and positive outcome,” the TD said.
'It is more important than ever to ensure that additional services are able to continue to operate'
Some 2,500 people are admitted to Cuan Mhuire treatment centres each year. Since its formation in 1966, the centre has treated approximately c100,000 people.
Dep Naughton said such centres were vital, especially during the present crisis, as recent research has suggested that more than 50 per cent of adults are now drinking on a weekly basis, up from 44 per cent. Research also suggests that of those adults drinking weekly, the level of consumption has also increased. "It is more important than ever," she said, "to ensure that additional services are able to continue to operate.”
