FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 28/04/24
Catherina O'Sullivan Addresses Rural Healthcare at Aontú Ard Fheis
Catherina O'Sullivan, candidate for Aontú in the Kenmare Local Electoral Area (LEA), had the honour of delivering a speech at the Aontú Ard Fheis on Saturday, April 27th in the Glenroyal Hotel in Maynooth Co. Kildare. Speaking to a captivated audience, she acknowledged that despite a substantial investment in healthcare, certain groups of people still encounter barriers when accessing healthcare services due to living in rural Ireland.
She spoke about the situation of her hometown of Killorglin, where Southdoc closed during the covid pandemic and has not reopened. People of the surrounding areas for example Glenbeigh, Beaufort, Milltown, Glencar and Cromane have to travel a substantial distance to access Southdoc in Killarney.
During her address, Catherina highlighted that the shortage of GPs in rural Ireland is a pressing issue that significantly compromises access to primary healthcare services for residents in these areas. With an ageing population and an increasing demand for healthcare services, the scarcity of GPs exacerbates existing challenges, leaving rural communities underserved and vulnerable.
Drawing from her extensive experience as a Clinical Nurse Manager in Mental Health, she emphasised the importance of tailored healthcare reforms to address the unique needs of rural areas.
She advised how Ireland faces a significant exodus of healthcare professionals, driven by better salaries and working conditions abroad. To retain talent, Ireland must offer competitive salaries, improved working conditions, and a supportive culture that values healthcare contributions.
She called out the current government with her closing remark which garnered a round of applause from all attendees.
“Let's remember, our doctors treat the whole patient, not just symptoms. It's time for our government to do the same.”