Campaigners call for reversal to cuts

A CAMPAIGN group calling for the immediate reversal of cuts to home help hours presented a 10,000 signature petition to HSE headquarters last week.

In October the HSE announced it would cut 450,000 help hours on top of an earlier cut of 600,000 hours to save

?¬8 million.

The Home Help/Home Care Community Action Group presented the petition to HSE officials at Dr Steevens’ Hospital in Dublin 8 last Wednesday (November 21).

Northside carer Sandra O’Hara, from Drumcondra, who was among those who hand-delivered the petition, described how her work hangs in the balance as a result of recent cuts introduced by the HSE.

“I work with five clients who have Motor Neuron Disease, end stage cancer, Alzheimer’s and if at any time or for any reason those patients need to be cared for in hospital then my working hours are reduced,

? she said.

“I am not allowed to take on any new clients in place of the others so I could see myself, like some other carers I know, with just two hours of work a day.

“The Irish people have always been known to be caring people, who showed respect for the vulnerable in society and cared for them.

“The cutbacks to the home help hours are leaving these members of our society feeling hurt and frightened.

“We’re here to fight these cutbacks and to support our clients and we’ll continue to fight until the Government and the HSE see sense and reverse these cuts.

?

Those involved in the Home Help/Home Care Community Action Group believe the

“relatively small saving

? to be made from the cuts doesn’t justify how significantly it will affect some of the most vulnerable members of society.

A statement released by the HSE in relation to the cuts outlined why cost saving measures need to be implemented.

“As of August 31, 2012, the HSE’s deficit was e259 million,

? the statement read.

“It is well known that the HSE is running a significant budget deficit currently. This deficit exists due to a number of factors, including the increased demand for services.

“For example, due to increased demand, the HSE has issued 33,000 medical cards over and above service plan projections.

“In order to deal with the existing deficit and to remain within budget, the HSE is now obliged to introduce a range of additional cost reduction measures to be implemented through- out the remainder of 2012 and into 2013.

?