Age Action has called for the HSE to immediately withdraw plans to cease providing basic items such as bed pans, drip stands and toilet frames, to the most vulnerable of older people – including those with medical cards.

Responding to reports in yesterday’s Irish Examiner, the older people’s charity said the proposed cutback measures would hit the most vulnerable in society – those who were sick and on low incomes.

The newspaper claimed to have seen a circular to HSE West staff instructing staff not to purchase aids and appliances which cost less an €100 for supply to patients.

“This measure will hurt the most vulnerable, especially older people who live alone and do not have any family,” Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said. “These aids and appliances are needed to enable people continue to live with dignity in their own homes. While we recognise the need for the HSE to remain within budget, we must also stress the responsibility which the HSE has to the frail and the vulnerable. By targeting them with these cutbacks they will cause untold hardship. There are older people who do not have the means to buy these appliances or may not have the physical mobility or transport to arrange for their purchase and delivery.”

Age Action called on the HSE to immediately withdrawn the circular. “The savings it would produce are minimal, compared to the hardship and anxiety it will cause people,” Mr Timmins said.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT EAMON TIMMINS, HEAD OF ADVOCACY AND COMMUNICATIONS, AGE ACTION, 087-9682449