Mayo information clinics on health treatment in Northern Ireland

AONTÚ representative Paul Lawless has announced several information clinics on how to avail of healthcare in the North of Ireland, including information on the cataract bus.

The Mayo cataract bus was launched in 2019 by Mr. Lawless who learned of the huge numbers of people waiting years for a 15-minute cataract procedure. Since then, he has organised several cataract buses to Belfast where people can avail of cataract and other surgical procedures without being subject to long waiting lists.

Said Mr. Lawless: “This winter saw the worst levels of overcrowding in Irish hospitals. This resulted in thousands of hospital appointments and surgeries cancelled.

“There are almost 900,000 people, including nearly 100,000 children, on some kind of waiting lists across this State.

“The cross-border directive legislation is a suitable option for many to get the treatment they deserve in a timely fashion. I have helped many people across the region who are stuck on waiting lists avail of treatment in the north.”

Mr. Lawless continued: “I am holding a number of information clinics, with a specialist private hospital representative, to assist the people of Mayo with information on how to avail of healthcare in the North. The clinics are ideal for anybody on waiting lists and willing to travel to the North. The clinic will cover cross-border directive legislation, treatment available, payment options, reimbursement and eligibility.”

The information clinics are taking place on Monday and Tuesday, April 3 and 4, at the following:

Ballina: Monday, April 3, 2 - 3.30 p.m., Ballina Family Resource Centre, Abbey Half Quarter, Ardnaree, Ballina, F26 C6P6.

Castlebar: Monday, April 3, 4.30 - 6 p.m., Parish Centre, Chapel Street, Castlebar.

Claremorris: Tuesday, April 4, 9 - 11 a.m., Perspective Wellbeing Centre, Family Resource Centre, Mount Street, Claremorris.

Ballyhaunis: Tuesday, April 4, 12 - 2 p.m., Family Resource Centre, The Friary, St. Mary's Abbey, Friarsground, Ballyhaunis.

Charlestown: Tuesday, April 4, 4 - 5 p.m., Townhall Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown.