HSE review of intellectual disability services in Longford/Westmeath must guarantee protection against further cuts– McFadden

Longford/Westmeath Fine Gael TD, Gabrielle McFadden, has said that the current HSE review of intellectual disability services in Longford and Westmeath must guarantee protection against further cuts.

“Responding to severe funding difficulties experienced last year at both St Christopher’s Services in Longford and St. Hilda’s Services in Athlone, the HSE announced a review of current intellectual disability services in both counties.

“The review, involving the preparation of a full report, will look at ways to develop sustainable services while also considering the current availability of resources.

“In response to recent queries I put to the HSE Head of Operations and Service Improvement, Disability Services, Social Care Division, it was confirmed to me that the review of services commenced in late December 2014 and is due for completion in mid-March.

“I am pleased that, during the review period, the HSE committed to stabilising the current financial position at St Christopher’s and St Hilda’s in order to protect current levels of service provision.

“However, I will repeat what I said late last year when this review was announced; guarantees must be put in place to ensure vital intellectual disability services are protected against any further cuts.”