Second cataract bus booked for Belfast in January
A SECOND cataract bus will travel from Mayo to Belfast this January.
At a public information meeting last night (Wednesday), Paul Lawless announced a second bus will travel so patients can receive treatment, and he offered information on the cross border directive that allows patients avoid protracted hospital waiting lists and instead undergo sight-saving procedures in the North.
Mr. Lawless invited Nick Wright of Kings Bridge Hospital, Belfast, who is an expert on the cross border directive, to speak at the meeting in the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, where the bad weather did not deter people travelling long distances to attend.
Mr. Wright explained how the directive entitles people from the Republic to travel across the border and obtain private health insurance. The HSE in turn will reimburse between 90% and 100% of treatment costs.
Most in attendance are on long waiting lists and needed information on the next cataract bus to Belfast.
The attendance also included people with other medical issues that warranted speedier treatment such as hip replacements and wisdom teeth extractions.
Mr. Lawless agreed to come to their assistance as well.
The unsustainable hospital waiting lists expand to many various health needs outside of cataract surgery as many feel neglected by the government as they see little hope of being treated within a reasonable time, said Mr. Lawless.
At the end of the night more people booked their place on Lawless’s second bus to Belfast this January.
Mr. Lawless said he is delighted to be able to help people who are in such immediate need and was thankful to Nick Wright Hospital for attending.
He also expressed his disappointment at the establishment parties for doing nothing about the serious problems that patients like those he helps are encountering.
He said: “Since 2011, FG have spent €4 million on expert consultancy reports. And yet our meeting has proved more informative in getting you medical treatment.
“It’s astonishing that we have four TDs in Mayo who are inundated with constituents attending their clinics and they haven’t done anything to use this legislation.
“Why do our elected TDs in Mayo neglect its people when they are in such a desperate need. They have the power to do something about it and choose not to.”
He added: “Anyone in Mayo or indeed anywhere across the west who would like to book a seat on our January bus or just look for more information, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me as soon as possible.”