Bennett criticises ‘lethargic Pace’of healthcare rollout

Delays, understaffing and gaps in care in Monaghan’s health services have been described as the result of a “lethargic pace” of progress, with patients left without the level of care they need and deserve, according to Sinn Féin TD Cathy Bennett.

Concerns centre on failures in recruitment and workforce planning, with predictable staffing changes not being adequately managed. Deputy Bennett said she has “encountered situations whereby the HSE explain gaps in our services with references to retirement and maternity leave”, arguing that responsibility ultimately lies with the Minister for Health.

She also pointed to long-standing shortcomings in diagnostic services: “For many years Sinn Féin advocated in favour of both MRI and CT scanners in Monaghan hospital… In response we were told there was no need, no business case,” she said.

While welcoming recent progress on MRI services, she stressed that CT scanning facilities are still lacking.

The Minor Injuries Unit was also highlighted as being under-resourced, with patients facing avoidable referrals to emergency departments: “The idea of being referred from a Minor Injuries Unit to a full Accident and Emergency due to a lack of diagnostic equipment unnecessarily delays treatment…”

Deputy Bennett further raised concerns about shortages in dental and orthodontic care, ongoing pressures on ambulance services, staff burnout, and a situation that requires some trained clinicians to reapply for roles they are already carrying out.

Concluding, she said: “Ordinary workers, carers and families deserve much better and should not be forced to campaign or shame Ministers to access basic services, as is their right.”

Deputy Bennett said she will be raising these issues directly with the Health Minister at the earliest opportunity.