READY FOR BATTLE Cancer survivors and campaigners, Mary McGreal and Teresa McDonnell, along with other supporters, talk to Enda Kenny outside Leinster House ahead of last week’s fateful Dáil debate and vote.
FG TDs warn of ‘chaos’ and political backlash
POLITICAL FALL-OUT
Áine Ryan
FINE GAEL leader, Deputy Enda Kenny and Deputy Michael Ring have warned there will be ‘chaos’ when the cancer services are removed from Mayo General Hospital (MGH) next September. They also told The Mayo News yesterday (Monday) that Fianna Fáil councillors should be prepared for the public backlash on the hustings next year after last week’s failure by Deputies Calleary and Flynn to support the motion for retention of services in Mayo.
“The point is that the service in Mayo is safe and proven and has been endorsed by Professor Drumm. It is now being taken away but nothing better is being put in its place. Clearly the Fianna Fáil deputies voted against their hospital and the women of this county and the people will make up their minds about this at the next election,” said Deputy Kenny.
“There will be chaos in Galway next September following the transfer of the services. One of the implications for Mayo will be that no Senior Registrar will apply for a position because the status of the hospital has been diminished,” he also observed.
Echoing this view, Deputy Michael Ring also cautioned that the HSE’s chequered history clearly points to a ‘chaotic outcome’. This stance was further confirmed last week when Fine Gael Health spokesman, Dr James Reily revealed that doctors at University College Hospital Galway (UCHG) told management in a recent letter that ‘the persistent overcrowding is resulting in ten to 20 unnecessary deaths per year’.
“The way the HSE is in chaos means they will not have their act together. They will try to take away as much of the services as possible in Mayo immediately and they won’t have the services up and running in Galway. Aren’t they having to close down for August in Galway?” said Deputy Michael Ring.
“When our councillors go on the campaign trail early next year they will be telling the people of Mayo that this issue was, and should have been, above politics. In my time in politics, I have never seen 7,000 or 8,000 people coming out on the streets over an issue. That just shows you that every family in the county has been affected by this,” said Deputy Michael Ring.
“It will never be forgotten by people how their Fianna Fáil TDs voted and next year – and in four years’ time – they will realise that. The Government will regret this as will the county’s Fianna Fáil TDs, councillors and MEP,” he continued.
He also observed that neither has the Government nor Mr Keane confirmed yet what precise monies have been ‘ring-fenced’ for the new cancer service in Galway.
However, responding to questions by Deputy Enda Kenny, the HSE confirmed on May 21 that a total of eleven new WTE (Whole Time Equivalent) positions have been funded by the National Cancer Programme; the refurbishment of one operating theatre and a second digital mammography unit have also been provided through the HSE Hospital Budget. Additional out-patient facilities will be made available too. The HSE response also states that two additional beds will be furnished and €750,000 has been allocated to the Irish Cancer Society to supplement travel facilities.
Meanwhile, according to Deputy Ring, the campaign will continue notwithstanding the fact that being in opposition means that Fine Gael is not in a position to overturn the decision.
