Long Covid clinics
Deputy Naughten said long Covid sufferers still lacked the promised clinic network and highlighted long waits and the closure of the Mater neurological clinic. The Minister said substantial funding had been allocated, the issue was a priority, and the Mater closure reflected an HSE clinical decision.
According to a survey which I commissioned from Ireland Thinks, there are 230,000 people in Ireland who are suffering from conditions associated with long Covid, yet we have failed to establish a network of clinics to treat patients that has been promised for the last 15 months. It is now taking more than a year for people to access the long Covid clinic at St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, and the only dedicated clinic for management of neurological issues associated with long Covid, based at the Mater hospital, has closed its doors due to the HSE failure to even respond to the business case submitted last July. The clinic has treated some 1,500 people this year. Two weeks ago, I asked the Taoiseach to intervene and to keep the Mater clinic open, and he committed to taking the issue up with the Minister for Health. I have heard nothing back and the doors have been closed since. What is happening? Will the Minister ensure that the Mater clinic remains open?
Comment on this
As the Deputy will be aware, we have allocated very significant funding in the budget for a national network of clinics to treat long Covid. It is a priority and I and the Government recognise that it is an area in which more and more investment is needed. I raised the issue of the clinic in the Mater directly with the HSE. The decision to close the clinic was not a political decision, as the Deputy will be aware, and I acknowledge he is not suggesting that. It was based on the clinical view of the HSE with regard to the funding of that particular clinic. The Deputy and I can have views. I know the doctor involved, who is a very eminent practitioner. He has worked very hard and has set out his case. The HSE has a different view, which has led to the removal of funding. I can commit to keeping the matter under review. I have no doubt the Deputy will continue to raise the issue and we will continue to engage on it. As he is aware, we have allocated very significant funding for a national network of treatment because people who suffer long Covid need rapid access to the best possible care.