‘Massive win’ for vital medical service cut in county Waterford, but we are not there yet

West Waterford councillor Kate O’Mahoney has shared that the HSE fully support the full restoration of a bus service for elderly people travelling to Dungarvan Community Hospital and Dungarvan Primary Care Centre.

Cllr O’Mahoney said in a post on social media that the daily bus service was cut down to only operating two to three days a week.

However: “The HSE have now advised that the General Manager in Waterford has confirmed that engagement will take place with the service provider regarding the reduction of this essential service.

“The HSE have also said that they support the full restoration of this service. This is a massive win.

“Older people in our community deserve better. They deserve ease in accessing healthcare.

Conor D McGuinness and I will keep on the case,” wrote Cllr O’Mahoney.

Deputy McGuinness raised the issue with the Minister for Health in March via a parliamentary question.

The minister responded that it was a service issue and she had asked that the HSE respond directly to the Waterford TD.

When a request is made to answer a PQ directly, the answer is not recorded publicly.

However, on April 1, Deputy McGuinness and Councillor O’Mahoney criticised the response they received.

“The response provided was weak, and failed to grasp the seriousness of the situation. It offered no meaningful reassurance to those affected and did not reflect the urgency required to address this issue,” said Deputy McGuinness.

He also called on the minister to urgently intervene in the matter.

“This service is a lifeline for many older people in our community. These are individuals who depend on this transport to attend vital medical appointments and maintain regular contact with healthcare providers. Reducing this service will inevitably lead to missed appointments, delayed care, and increased isolation,” said Deputy McGuinness.