Mary Butler TD with Cork North Central by-Election Candidate Cllr Padraig O’Sullivan

Mary Butler TD Fianna Fáil October Newsletter Butler Condemns Appalling Conditions At Dept Of Psychiatry At University Hospital Waterford

Fianna Fáil TD for Waterford Mary Butler has described as appalling, reports of conditions at the Department of Psychiatry at University Hospital Waterford. Deputy Butler said, “The images of overcrowding, with patients sleeping on chairs and floors are deeply distressing and completely unacceptable. However they come as absolutely no surprise to anyone working in or with our mental health services. “Only last month, the Mental Health Commission revealed a 57% compliance rate at the unit and outlined serious concerns with children being admitted to adult units, physical examinations, staffing issues and the use of physical restraint. “Today’s images vividly outline the seriousness of the situation, with overcrowding reaching intolerable levels. Earlier this week 54 patients were being treated in a 44 bed unit. This is deplorable; not only does it impact on patient dignity, it also poses serious safety risks. “These are vulnerable patients in need of special supports, but under their treatment has been vastly diminished. Our system is almost beyond breaking point and the Health Minister has no plan. “Patients at UHW deserve better, but conditions at some units in the hospital appear to be getting worse, not better. Minister Harris needs to concentrate more on fixing the problems in health rather than putting his energy into premature election campaigns. Unless he turns his attention to his day job the situation at Waterford and indeed other hospitals will continue to deteriorate”, concluded Deputy Butler. Butler Welcomes Positive Progress On Cath Lab

Fianna Fáil TD for Waterford Mary Butler has welcomed the latest progress on the second cath lab at University Hospital Waterford. The HSE has now applied for planning permission for the unit, to include a Specialist Procedures Room, Preparation and Recovery, Diagnostic Facilities and Ancillary Accommodation. The plan- ning application may be inspected at Waterford City and County Council’s offices. Deputy Butler said, “Today’s notice marks another step forward in the provision of a second cath lab for Waterford. I’m very pleased to see this progress and hope that the process can proceed without delay. “This unit is expected to be delivered in the next 12-16 months and I am very hopeful that this timeframe can be achieved now that the project has gained momentum. The fact that planning permission has now been lodged is a very positive move and with such strong support for the new unit, I don’t envisage any major problems with progressing the project. “I will continue to work constructively with my colleagues, as I have been doing over the past three years to ensure that the cath lab is delivered as soon as possible”, concluded Deputy Butler.

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Supporting Carers Association outside the gates of Leinster House this morning. Carers raised issues with me such as rural isolation, post code lottery re services, spoke about the home care crisis and feel- ings of isolation they experience on a daily basis, and they also feel that the government are not lis- tening. Met with John Dunne of Family Carers Ireland who believes 4 million extra home care hours are need- ed to cope with the demand. Wild Fluctuations In Numbers Waiting For Fair Deal Does Not Bode Well For Winter – Butler

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Older People, Mary Butler TD, has expressed concern that the number of people who are waiting for placement under the Fair Deal scheme will rise sharply with the onset of Winter. As of the 17th of September, 525 people were waiting, on September 30th this number stood at 686 – an increase of over 30%. Deputy Butler said, “In just two weeks the numbers waiting for placement under the Fair Deal scheme shot up by over 160. This is an alarming escalation in a very short period of time, and points to serious issues within the system. “I am fearful that this is a sign of things to come as Winter draws closer. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) have already said that September was the worst month of 2019 for trolley figures and this will have a knock-on effect on Fair Deal placement. “We also learned that by the middle of September there were 745 patients who had not been discharged from hospitals despite being deemed medically fit. They had nowhere to go as there were no supports in place for them. “It’s a vicious cycle and will continue unless and until the Minister takes a system wide approach in fixing it”, she concluded.

After 4 years of handwork, raising awareness, working with colleagues and the Alzheimer’s Society, 10 Dementia Advisors are promised. Funding for St Carthage’s announced

Delighted to announce after working closely with the Board of Directors of St Carthage’s Home in Lismore, following many visits, discussions with staff and a significant submission to the HSE, Minister Daly and Minister Harris substantial funding had been secured for this fantastic “home from home” facility. —————————————————————————————————————————————————— Butler Calls For Answers Following Damning Mental Health Commission Report

Fianna Fáil TD for Waterford Mary Butler says Fine Gael is failing people with mental health as it continues to mismanage services. Her comments follow the publication of a report from the Mental Health Commission which found that the Department of Psychiatry at University Hospi- tal had a mere 57% compliance rate this year. The report outlined serious concerns with children being admitted to adult units, physical ex- aminations, staffing issues and the use of physical restraint. Deputy Butler said, “The findings of this report are extremely worrying and serve to highlight the very serious issues within our mental health services. Over the past three years compli- ance levels have fallen from 64% in 2017 to a record low of 57% this year. “The conditions at the unit also raised red flags – the report described two toilets as “malodourous” with overflowing bins, discarded cigarette butts and thick cobwebs. “Anyone with a loved one in this unit will be rightly concerned. I have no doubt that the staff in the wards are doing all they can to give the best care and attention to the residents, however severe staff shortages are undoubtedly having an impact. “It’s time for the Minister with Responsibility for Mental Health to take ownership of the situa- tion and explain why standards are slipping so drastically. The issues highlighted are simply not acceptable and must be addressed as a matter of urgency”, concluded Deputy Butler. Mary Butler TD Welcomes some constituents to Dail Eireann

Mary Butler TD pictured with Eamonn Hogan and Sean Lennon

Mary Butler TD Welcomes members of the Portlaw knitting club to Dail Eireann

Mary Butler TD introduces Micheal Martin TD to Fr Mick Byrne , Parish Priest Waterford members pictured at the Presidents Portlaw/Ballyduff Dinner Comhairle na nÓg AGM