Local cancer support services are expressing their shock and anger at HSE plans to cut supports for women who've undergone a mastectomy. It was revealed yesterday that the allowance for specialized bras for women recovering from a mastectomy would be reduced. The current supports offer two specialty bras, a prosthesis and a swimsuit. The HSE has now partially rolled back on plans to halve the supports following an intervention of the Minster for Health.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly was unaware of the move when it was raised to him, but confirmed he would be asking the HSE to review the decision. In a statement to Shannonside FM today, the HSE confirmed that they will review the procedures in relation to this issue in line with what the Minister has said. They say that the previous system was unfair and inequitable and have confirmed that they will review the system quickly to ensure the system is fair to everyone and that no woman is at a loss a result of changes. Trisha McGrath, Breast Cancer Advisor at LARCC Cancer Support in Multyfarnam says a cut in support is the last thing Cancer patients need:
Local Fine Gael Councillor Peggy Nolan has criticised the Minister for Health over the move, accusing him of not being on top of his brief:
