Brian Stanley demands cash in injection into Laois primary health care

Laois Offaly TD Brian Stanley has launched a stinging attack on the Goverment over its record on primary healthcare investment in Laois.

The now independent TD is calling for “Primary Healthcare Services in Laois to be brought into the 21st century. 

“The current and previous Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Governments have completely failed to put in the required level of investment in Primary Health Care.

“The range of services being provided at local community level in this State is way below that of other developed countries. Beyond basic GP care very little else is available in most parts of Laois. One result of this is people with minor ailments and conditions are having to go to overcrowded hospitals for treatment that should be available in local Primary Healthcare Centres. Along with GP services a range of other treatments should be available such as physiotherapy, speech and language, occupational therapy, mental health services chiropodist and dental services.

“The facilities such as local health centres are in many cases in need of urgent upgrade or replacement. Despite the huge population increase in the county and the fact that we have an ageing population very little investment has been allocated in this area.

"The most urgent upgrades or replacements are needed in Graiguecullen, Mountrath, Rathdowney and Borris-in-Ossory. In the case of Borris in Ossory consideration should be given to moving it to the Old Courthouse when it is renovated in the interest of safety and extra space. Both Mountrath and Rathdowney need new buildings. In the case of Graiguecullen the existing small Health Centre in Oakley Park needs to be extended and upgraded.

“A new Primary Care Centre has been promised for Portlaoise, but as of yet, capital funding has not been allocated for this project. Portlaoise, with a population at almost 30,000 is one of the few towns of this size in the country that does not have a stand-alone Primary Care Centre. This in itself is a scandal and shows complete failure by Governments.

“I have been raising this issue with Government and HSE management and this now needs to be made a priority by the incoming Government.

"If re-elected to the Dáil I will use every opportunity available to try and bring Primary Care Health Services in Laois into the 21st century," concluded Dep Stanley.

The former Sinn Féin representative is contesting for one of three Dáil seats at the General Election in the new Laois constituency.