Posted on

GOVERNMENT SHOULD ACT ON ORKAMBI SAYS O’ROURKE

Frank O’Rourke TD has called on the Government to intervene in the dispute between the HSE and the supplier of a life changing drug for Cystic Fibrosis patients

The HSE and Vertex Pharmaceuticals entered price negotiations after the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics found Orkambi was unjustifiably expensive.

Currently, there are around 1,200 people with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. However, this country apparently not only has the highest rate of the disease per head of population in the world, but also has some of the worst types, because of the particular genotype prevalent in Ireland.

‘Orkambi is very expensive but a lot of people in the trials have done very well and it’s been a life-changer for many people. We need to ensure that the Government facilitates the process of securing the supply of this drug and should consider a pan EU supply framework for the procurement of this drug if the supplier does not have meaningful engagements with the HSE,’ stated Deputy O’Rourke.

‘Constituents have raised this issue with me and I strongly feel that this drug should be available for our Cystic Fibrosis patients. I, together with our party’s Health spokesperson, Billy Kelleher TD,   will continue to put pressure on the Government to adopt a hands-on approach to secure a resolution to these negotiations,’ concluded Deputy O’Rourke.

Posted on

LAWLESS PLEASED GP HIRED FOR JOHNSTOWNBRIDGE

James Lawless TD is pleased to confirm a new GP has been appointed to Johnstownbridge Health Centre

James said,”This is a credit to all involved with the Save Our Surgery Committee, the 1000’s who gave their signatures and testimonials to the HSE, and David Walsh of the HSE.”

“I had raised this matter in the Dáil chamber just last week and have been in constant talks with the HSE. This and the lobbying from Save Our Surgery Committee has clearly delivered results.” Continue reading “LAWLESS PLEASED GP HIRED FOR JOHNSTOWNBRIDGE”

Posted on

LAWLESS LEADS DELEGATION TO SAVE JOHNSTOWNBRIDGE SURGERY

James Lawless TD has led a delegation of dedicated volunteers on the Save Our Surgery Committee to meet with David Walsh, Head of the HSE, in Kildare

James commented, “In our meeting we discussed the recruitment process for Johnstownbridge Health Centre, clearly outlined the demand for the centre remaining open, and got reassurances it would remain open once a new full time GP has been hired, and any new GP who be provided with the Rural General Practitioners Allowance.”

“One of the main reassurances we were told by David Walsh was that the rural practitioners allowance would be kept with the surgrey. This is a huge improvement in the job offer as this was not confirmed before the committee began to apply our pressasure. This will make the position significantly more attractive to prospective applicants to take over the practice.”

“The HSE have committed to us that the centre will be preserved long term and supported including support staff as necessary. This will inculde renovations to the existing building and additional staff as the practise grows even further.”

“Over one thousand signatures and hundreds of testimonials were gathered by the committee and handed over to the HSE. If these alone do not show the need for a full time GP in Johnstownbridge the committee members inside, and outside the meeting, certainly did.”

Posted on

O’ROURKE SEEKS EXPANSION IN HOUSING ADAPTATION GRANT

Frank O’Rourke TD has said that extra resources for Housing Adaptation Grants are needed to assist with independent living

Frank commented, ‘Given the projected increase in the number of older people in Ireland, it is important that we put in place polices and supports to deal with this reality.  In 2006, there were 468,000 people aged 65 or older in Ireland, but by 2041, the number of people in this country aged 65 or older will be 1.4 million. The over-80s population is projected to rise from 128,000 in 2011 to between 470,000 and 484,000 in 2046.’

‘With this in mind, the requirement for extra funding, over the medium to long term, for Housing Adaptation grants for older people needs to be taken into consideration,’ stated Deputy O’Rourke Continue reading “O’ROURKE SEEKS EXPANSION IN HOUSING ADAPTATION GRANT”

Posted on

O’ROURKE PRESSES FOR COMPREHENSIVE HOMECARE STRATEGY

Frank O’Rourke TD has said that a comprehensive strategy for Home Care is needed if we are to provide a sustainable home care structure for the future according to Kildare North

Deputy Frank O’Rourke made the statement following a meeting with a number of families in Leixlip and Clane that required home care for their elderly parents.

Speaking in the Dail on this issue, Deputy O’Rourke has highlighted the problems that families are dealing with on a regular basis.  ‘As Ireland’s population grows, the provision of quality home care is one of Ireland’s greatest challenges. The whole Home care industry is unregulated and has experienced huge growth in the last number of years, with a significant increase in the number of people working in the sector,’ Continue reading “O’ROURKE PRESSES FOR COMPREHENSIVE HOMECARE STRATEGY”