Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and wish her good luck in her new job.

Today, we are discussing the HSE winter plan and how it underpins the first pillar of the framework for living with Covid-19. The Minister earlier described the winter plan as ambitious but ambition needs to be underpinned by resources, competence, as well as systems which work collaboratively and efficiently. It also needs to have timelines, not just targets. Within those targets, there need to be specifics and pathways to achieve those specific targets. Unfortunately, I do not see this in the plan which is disappointing.

We must ensure CervicalCheck is fully reinstated and resourced in order that it catches up with those women left behind since March 2020. The waiting time for those who have had their tests and who urgently need biopsies or colposcopies is far too long. I have a constituent who has been told that the waiting time for her urgent cervical biopsy is eight weeks. She is beside herself with anxiety and fear. The service has to be improved.

The winter plan refers to extra beds which is welcome. However, we need to see the specifics, namely, where, when and how. In that context, I want to see real progress on the 42-bed unit for Sligo University Hospital. It has got planning permission and approval in principle. While it is out of the starting blocks, it is painfully slow. If the winter plan is to mean anything, we need to see an ongoing timetable which delivers those beds in the shortest possible time. Four intensive care unit beds are coming to Sligo University Hospital which we are very happy to see.

Every Member has referred to mental health today. I read the plan but there were only two mentions with nothing specific or definite. The GRASP Life, a mental health service foundation in Dromahair, County Leitrim, which services Sligo and Leitrim, recently stated that, during Covid, the number of calls to its service increased by 70%. That is across the board with all kinds of issues. It stated the local county councils and HSE were supportive but its fundraising has dried up. Accordingly, it is caught at both ends. We need to see more supports for mental health. The Minister of State and I know it. People are desperately crying out for these services.

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