PEOPLE NEEDING CATERACT SURGERY URGED TO AVAIL OF TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY BEFORE RATES CUT - LAWLESS
The news that the HSE is to extend the date whereby people availing of the Cross Border Directive for Cataract Surgery can claim reimbursement at current rates has today been welcomed by Aontú Cllr Paul Lawless.
Cllr Lawless, who has organised for hundreds of people from the West of Ireland to travel to the North for the much-needed surgery, says that he is relieved that the HSE has agreed to extend the date for the reimbursement until the 21st of August before the introduction of reduced rates on the 1st September.
The current rate of reimbursement is €1,912. From the 1st of September this is due to be reduced significantly to €1,171.
He is urging people who need the surgery to ensure they have treatment before the planned cuts and is organising the next Mayo Cataract Bus for the start of next month (August)
He says,
"Cataract surgery is a vital service and one that makes an inordinate positive difference to patients. I am most disappointed with this Government cutting vital funding for those people who need it most. Only the most desperate patients, often those waiting the longest go to the north. The Government cuts to the rates of reimbursement are significant and will impact those who can least afford it most. I have organised several buses to transport people from all over the west to the north and the difference that has made to their lives is incredible. So many have got their independence, freedom and quality of life back following the cataract surgery, which while a relatively simple procedure, is expensive".
Cllr Lawless says that in order to ensure that as many people from the west benefit under the current rates, the next Mayo Cataract bus will leave the county on the 2nd of August. All patients will have consultation followed by surgery and back in Mayo within 24 hours.
