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CULTURE MINISTER Josepha Madigan claims she did not approve a letter issued to her constituents, which confirmed a methadone clinic would not open in her constituency, after she lobbied the Department of Health.
The newsletter style document was issued to residents recently and provided an update on the proposals for a methadone clinic at Ballinteer Health Centre.
It stated: “I am pleased to reassure local residents that following representations from my office to the Department of Health, I have been informed that a new methadone clinic will not be developed… as existing services are adequate.
“I know many people were concerned about this prospect following the closure of the methadone clinic in Baggot Street. This health centre is used by many local residents and would not be suitable as a methadone clinic.”
It sparked criticism as the minister appeared to be reassuring residents that her representations had helped ensure the centre would not open.
A spokesperson for the minister said she was simply providing “an update on the issue” and that Madigan supported the provision of health services by the HSE.
“The minister fully supports the provision of health services by the Health Services Executive, including methadone services for those requiring them in their community,” they said.
“After this issue was raised with her by a number of constituents in January, she asked the HSE to clarify its plans.
“It confirmed that existing services are adequate. The recent letter to constituents, the wording of which did not receive prior approval before sending, provides and update on the issue.”
Ir prompted criticism from a number of medical professionals who say the provision of methadone’s are necessary to avoid overdoses.
Dublin GP, Dr Mark Murphy described it as “shocking from a FG minister. Actually celebrating the removal of a healthcare service for a vulnerable patient group”.
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Know two with long covid. No joke, totally knocked both. Both lads one mid 30s other mid 50s.
Hope this young lady returns to 100%
@Tom Ripley: the ‘open everything’ crowd wont like to read this.
Sounds very like those who suffer with autoimmune diseases like lupus, MS, Crohn’s disease, UC, AIH, Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, PSC, PBC and many others. The fatigue, the flares, lack of empathy from employers etc.
@Serge the llama: I have Psoriatic arthritis but luckily my medication I has worked wonders for me and I’m able to do most of the things I want to do. But you’re right, before I was diagnosed and could barely walk down the stairs, the lack of understanding was staggering.
@Serge the llama: many of those illnesses are starting to be linked to underlying #MCAS. Could count on 1 hand the Drs with MCAS or MC awareness.
Good article, well said Eilish, I hope you make a full recovery very soon and that your comments are heeded.
Most of us can appreciate nurses and the work they do. That said, is it reasonable to elevate them alone when about 3 times as many of their colleagues have the same issues and remain silent, I’m not questioning that some are seriously ill, so are many other people. I don’t believe anyone should be penalised for being ill and that there should maybe arrangements made for all healthcare workers who became ill as a nature of their work, not just nurses alone.
Maybe everyone could clap for them again?
@cryptodon: that was the UK not Ireland.
@Eamonn Martin: obvious Trolling
There is no question about it anyone who is in this situation should not have to worry about getting paid.they should be paid in full and not have sick pay reduced or taken into account later when they return to work
I’m a firefighter and have been out of work with long covid since December and can relate to all the issues in the article. Unfortunately for everyone in this 2 tier society if you don’t have private health insurance you can’t access post covid clinics. The HSE needs to step up now and help public patients get back to work. The whole scenario is extremely frustrating.
@Eamonn Martin: Hope you never get it so.
@Eamonn Martin: are u ready for the backlash sir :), enjoy
COVID-19 Hyperinflammation & Post-Covid-19 Illness may be linked to newly recognised Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.
See a paper here
@Thomas O’ Donnell: So do I Tommy. If I do, I hope I don’t die or suffer long effects. Doesn’t mean the world should be on hold because of that tiny risk though.
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have your say