Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In the programme for Government there is a clear commitment to introduce an independent patient advocacy service. It seems that the only patient advocacy service in the country is "Liveline", courtesy of broadcaster, Joe Duffy. There has been extraordinary contact in recent weeks from patients throughout the country over the removal of Versatis pain relief patches and medication from thousands of patients in a cost-cutting measure by the Government. A parliamentary reply estimates that there will be 90% savings in the execution of this measure. However, from a patient perspective, anyone listening to "Liveline" in recent weeks will have been struck by the agony and genuine distress caused to patients and families. These people of all ages got great pain relief from this particular medication. Where was the patient advocacy informing this decision?

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