Calls for mobile x-ray to be rolled out quickly in Mayo
The HSE is expanding the free, rapid-response X-ray service
A Mayo election candidate is calling for the roll-out of a mobile X-ray service for the county.
“With the winter period fast approaching, we do not want to see a repeat of the record-breaking trolley numbers in Mayo University Hospital and I am calling now on the HSE Forum West to give a date for the immediate rollout of a mobile X-ray service for our nursing homes and district hospitals,” stated Harry Barrett.
Barrett made his call after the recent announcement by the HSE of a mobile X-ray service to help older people avoid having to attend emergency departments, which will be rolled out nationally next year following the success of a pilot programme.
The HSE is expanding the free, community-based service to older patients in nursing homes, community facilities, and in their homes on a phased basis.
People will be able to have X-rays taken in their nursing home or facility where they reside instead of having to travel to a hospital.
The service is running in a number of counties and Barrett wants it extended to all Mayo health facilities immediately.
“I have been calling for months for our sick to be treated as close to home as possible and that full use be made of our district hospitals and primary care centres. This service is an essential first step in stopping the crazy service we have at the moment where everything has to go through Mayo University Hospital.
“I am calling now on councillors who represent the county on the HSE Forum West to put in an immediate question in relation to this service so that we have a start date for the people of Mayo.
“Another crazy winter period, with disgraceful, record-breaking trolley numbers is not acceptable anymore and this new service is but one part of the solution that we need to see in this county immediately to reduce this suffering,” said Mr Barrett.
It was recently revealed that a mobile X-ray service will be available nationwide next year to help older people avoid hospital emergency departments.
The HSE is expanding the free, rapid-response X-ray service to reach patients in nursing homes, community facilities, and in their homes.
Some 83% of nursing homes in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick have already used the service.
