Thousands sign petition for Mayo rheumatology services

Anton McNulty

OVER 2,000 people have signed a petition calling for full rheumatology services in Mayo University Hospital. The number of signatures expected to exceed 3,000 in the coming week.
The petition was launched three weeks ago by the Mayo branch of Arthritis Ireland, both online and in print.
Consultant rheumatologist Dr Carmel Silke was appointed in January to operate an eleven-hour-a-week outpatient clinic service from MUH. While welcoming this appointment, Arthritis Ireland says this does not satisfactorily provide a service for arthritis sufferers in Mayo.
“The group is looking for a full-time rheumatologist, clinical nurse specialist, musculoskeletal physiotherapist and occupational therapy service in Mayo University Hospital. The full service would ensure that people do not have to drive past MUH every day to get treatment in Manorhamilton in Co Leitrim and Merlin Park in Galway, or as far away as Dublin when they are in agony and pain,” a spokesperson for the Mayo branch said.

26,000 affected
Arthritis, of which there are over 100 different types, affects over 26,000 people throughout Mayo, from newborn babies through to the elderly.
“A full Rheumatology service would also help tackle the national waiting list of over 12,000 people – in which there is over 2,000 in this region – waiting to see a rheumatologist. It would also bring down the waiting time to be seen from 18 months to one month. This would be more in line with an early access model to prevent disability,” the Arthritis Ireland spokesperson explained.
The online petition is available on the website, www.gopetition.com/petitions/full-rheumatology-services-for-mayo-university-hospital or by visiting the Arthritis Ireland Mayo branch Facebook page.
The petition is also available in various locations throughout the county, including pharmacies in Belmullet, Bangor, Crossmolina, Newport, Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris, Kiltimagh, Ballyhaunis, Ballinrobe, Westport, Louisburgh. Print petitions are also available by calling 087 6540361 or email arthritismayobranch@gmail.com.