Sligo pain clinic delays
Deputy Harkin described long waiting times and inadequate facilities at the pain clinic in Sligo University Hospital. The Taoiseach acknowledged the importance of pain clinics and said he would speak to the Minister.
I want to raise the inadequacy of the service provided by the pain clinic at Sligo University Hospital. Over the past two years, I have submitted a number of questions about this service and the most recent response stated that the HSE had received funding to establish the clinic on a permanent basis. Previously it was established on a pilot basis. However, 11 months after the pilot programme finished, patients tell me that the pain services are inadequate with waiting times of 12 months and in some cases up to 24 months, and inadequate facilities to carry out the procedures. It is called a pain clinic for a reason. For many people it is the final step in a long journey of chronic and unremitting pain. I have written to the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, and I am asking the Taoiseach to raise this matter with him.
