Thursday 21st June (Notes of recent meeting with HSE re: nursing cover on Bere Island)
REPORT ON MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY GROUP WITH THE HSE CONCERNING THE NURSING REQUIREMENTS ON BERE ISLAND.
DATE: THURSDAY 7TH JUNE 2018. COMMUNITY CENTRE BERE ISLAND
ATTENDANCE:
ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNITY: Paul Moore, Angela Sullivan. Rachel Harrington. Gerard Sullivan. Eugene Glendon (all referred to as “the Group”)
ON BEHALF OF THE HSE: Joanna McCarthy, Interim Director PHN (Head of Services) and Teresa O’Donovan, Head of Primary Care HSE, (both referred to as the “HSE”)
The Agenda for the meeting had been set out by the Group and sent in advance to the HSE:
“To discuss recent changes in, and the future provision of, health services on Bere Island”.
The HSE explained that the provision of nursing care on the island was funded as part of the Primary Care Team and that the HSE has to manage within their own funding resources.
The Group explained at length and very forcefully that the Community on the island was extremely unhappy with health cover provided by the HSE to the island and what we now sought was the same level of cover as we had in 2009 and as now provided by the HSE to Cape Clear – and nothing less.
The HSE explained that the draft Report on the provision of health services to the islands (which was not yet published) was suggesting a level of cover which would cost the HSE approximately €400,000 per annum.
The Group explained that the total failure by the HSE to consult with community before changing the current minimum level of cover was the subject of severe personal distress and annoyance to the community.
All of the arguments which were aired at the meeting of the Community on the 19th April were explained at length to the HSE and the HSE stated that they could not agree to our demands.
It was emphasised and repeated to the HSE that the very survival of the island is dependent on the provision of a reasonable health service. The HSE advised that they do not have any role in the school.
The Group believe that having regard to representations made by the Group and several members of the community the practice of the current nurse being rostered for duty on the mainland will (hopefully) now cease.
In conclusion the Group explained that, in the absence of a commitment by the HSE to provide adequate funding and essential resources to the island, it was now the intention of the Group, on behalf of the Community, to immediately lobby and make representations to Government Ministers, TD’s, etc with a view to getting the necessary funding in place as a matter of urgency to ensure that the HSE will be obliged to provide a safe health service to the island.
The fight for survival is only beginning.
Tuesday 19th June
Bere Island Projects Group have recently submitted a planning application for a children’s playground on Bere Island.
Thursday 7th June
Bere Island Projects Group were delighted to host a visit from a group of international journalists who were on a tour of Cork and Kerry with Failte Ireland.
The group called to the Heritage Centre, enjoyed a cycle around the parkrun route with bikes from Murphy’s Shop and had a talk on the island’s military history from Barry Hanley. They also enjoyed a demonstration on brownbread making from Edel Murphy and were presented with jars of Bere Island honey from Barry. Thanks also to Michael Walsh for driving them around the island & to Bere Island Ferries for bringing them here. A great day was had by all!
Thursday 7th June 2018
Bere Island Projects Group were delighted to be invited to a function held by the Irish Aer Corps who are on a training camp on the island and to be presented with a framed aerial photo of Rerrin Village.
BIPG has a long standing relationship with the Irish Defence Forces, which includes working with them to secure a licence to restore and develop Lonehort Battery as a visitor attraction, and we are grateful to them for the use of the Lecture Theatre to stage theatrical performances during the summer months.
Wednesday 6th June 2018
St Michael’s National school children starting their annual spring clean along the west end roads and foreshore on Bere Island organised by BIPG.
Friday 1st June 2018
The June Bank Holiday weekend is here and the island is looking great. A lot of work has been carried out, the greens are strimmed, the grotto and graveyard have both been cut in preparation for the Procession on Sunday and the flowers all over the island are beautiful. Of course this wouldn’t be possible without the Fas & RSS workers Andy, Patrick, Mike and Sheila.
Also Finola who does a great job with the flowers in the graveyard and anyone I’ve forgotten well done to you all. You will also see from the picture below the Graveyard Committee with the support of BIPG have erected the new shelter in the Graveyard to replace the wooden one which was damaged in the storm over the winter.
The pitch is also looking well after being cut by Paul and we are ready for the Football Blitz happening tomorrow at 12:30pm in the Rec !! Best of luck to all taking part.
The recycling centre is as always neat and tidy thanks to Teddy & John and the can banks are empty for the busy summer ahead.
The Lookout and Bere Island Bakehouse are now open for food along with the Hotel which will have music tonight with Damien Coughlan and Dessie’s is open this evening for the weekend. All that’s left to say is we hope the weather stays nice and you enjoy the weekend and stay safe.
Thursday 31st May 2018
Bere Island Projects Group CLG succeed in obtaining Heavy Cargo Subsidy for the Island.
BIPG is pleased to confirm that it has been successful in obtaining a very significant heavy cargo subsidy for the island which will result in it now being cheaper to bring heavy cargo loads ( over 17 tons) into the island at a rate which is now cheaper than it was 30 years ago!
The maximum charge is now €90.00 per load ( fixed for the next two years) and the service will run at a minimum of twice per week throughout the year.
Contact for this service is Colum Harrington