THE HEALTH Service Executive (HSE) was yesterday accused of wasting millions of euro over its “crazy policy” of not reusing crutches and walking aids.
Member of the HSE West Forum, Cllr Brian Meaney (Green) made the charge after the HSE confirmed this year it will spend €16.24 million on wheelchairs, crutches and walking aids in the HSE West area, stretching from Co Donegal to Co Limerick. The spend this year represents an 8 per cent rise on the €15 million spent on the aids last year in counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Limerick and North Tipperary. There is no cost to the user of the various aids.
The HSE stated that “aids and appliances are reused following infection control process following return by client”.
However, according to the statement accompanying the figures, it confirms that HSE policy dictates that crutches and walking aids will not be reused due to health and safety reasons.
In response, member of Clare Co Council, Mr Meaney said yesterday: “When the HSE is facing cuts of over €1 billion affecting frontline services, surely the executive can see sense and stop this crazy policy of using crutches only once. We cannot afford such waste now or in the future.”
