Payment for patient advocates issue must be resolved
Labour Party Health spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has pressed the Minister for Health to deliver on payments for patient advocates.
Deputy Kelly said:
“Minister Harris must make good on his promise to patient advocates for their time and expertise.
“We can’t continue to expect people who have been through the ringer wither through a personal illness or that of a family to come give advice to the HSE pro-bono.
“Last week, the State offered an apology to the women affected by the CervicalCheck scandal and all sides recognised the phenomenal work of Stephen Teap and Lorraine Walsh. They deserve to be respected by the Department of Health in a way that has not been present to date. This must change.
“The time for soothing words from Minister Harris is over. Patient advocates must be remunerated for their work and Minister Harris needs to produce a realistic timeline as to when this is going to be introduced.”