The HSE West is set to cut €50 million on frontline services. That’s according to Fine Gael Galway Senator Fidelma Healy Eames who claims that HSE West is “firmly in the firing line” in tomorrow’s Budget.
Speaking to Galway First, Senator Healy Eames said, “I am reliably informed that frontline services in the HSE West region are firmly in the firing line in the Budget.
“I understand cutbacks of almost €50 million are coming down the line on Budget day for HSE West in Primary, Community and Continuing Care health services including: cutbacks in community care packages, social services, Meals on Wheels and Western Care; a reduction in home help hours and services; cuts in aid for people with disabilities and appliances like wheelchairs; cuts in mental health; cuts in services to older people.”
She added, “The copious promises from Brian Cowen, and others in the Fianna Fáil Government, that the vulnerable would be protected are nonsense.
“This week Brian Cowen refused to halt the HSE’s €1.4 million bonus scheme or condemn their €1 million spend on consultancy reports but he’s quite happy to inflict the financial pain he created on the sick, the old and the disabled.
“I am appalled, disgusted and angry that it is the weak in our communities that this Government - who have failed to manage our finances - are hurting. Nowhere is this Government’s incompetence more evident than in health.”
In response the HSE released the following statement: “The National Service Plan for the HSE, including HSE West, cannot be finalised until the Budget is announced. It is not possible to make any comment before then.”
