Primary Healthcare in Laois needs to move into 21st century says Brian Stanley
Deputy Brian Stanley is calling for Primary Healthcare Services in Laois to be brought into the 21st century.
LOCAL Independent Republican general election candidate TD Brian Stanley is calling for Primary Healthcare Services in Laois to be brought into the 21st century.
The Dáil Deputy said: “The current and previous Fianna Fail and Fine Gael governments have completely failed to put in the required level of investment in Primary Health Care.
“The range of services being provided at local community level in this state is way below that of other developed countries. Beyond basic GP care very little else is available in most parts of Laois. One result of this is people with minor ailments and conditions are having to go to overcrowded hospitals for treatment that should be available in local Primary Healthcare Centres. Along with GP services a range of other treatments should be available such as Physiotherapy, Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy, Mental Health Services Chiropodist and Dental services.’’
Deputy Stanley said: “The facilities such as local health centres, are in many cases, in need of urgent upgrade or replacement. Despite the huge population increase in the county and the fact that we have an ageing population very little investment has been allocated in this area.
“The most urgent upgrades or replacements are needed in Graiguecullen, Mountrath, Rathdowney and Borris-in-Ossory.”
He said: “In the case of Borris-in-Ossory consideration should be given to moving it to the Old Courthouse when it is renovated in the interest of safety and extra space. Both Mountrath and Rathdowney need new buildings. In the case of Graiguecullen the existing small health centre in Oakley Park needs to be extended and upgraded.’’
“A new Primary Care Centre has been promised for Portlaoise, but as of yet capital funding has not been allocated for this project. Portlaoise, with a population at almost 30,000 is one of the few towns of this size in the country that does not have a standalone Primary Care Centre. This in itself is a scandal and shows complete failure by Governments. I have been raising this issue with Government and HSE management and this now needs to be made a priority by the incoming Government.
“If re-elected to the Dáil I will use every opportunity available to try and bring Primary Care Health Services in Laois into the 21st century,’’ said Deputy Stanley.
