CAWT programmes ‘Brexit proofed’
THE Cross Border CAWT (Cooperation and Working Together) programme has a built in condition to guarantee funding post Brexit, councillors heard at the May monthly meeting.
A special presentation by representatives from the CAWT programme saw members told of the range of health and social care initiatives which are currently operating along the border.
Edel O’Doherty and Carmel McPeake outlined the strategies which have been taken in relation to health and mentahealth issues.
Cllr. Peter Savage queried any of the programmes were of benefit to someone from north Louth who attends A&E in Daily Hill Hospital in Newry.
‘For people from Omeath, Newry is a lot closer than Drogheda. But once they present at Daisy Hill the first question they are asked is, who is paying.’
He asked what aspects of CAWT’s work would benefit the people of north Louth, adding ‘I am a bit lacking in enthusiasm for CAWT. I can’t see what difference it has made to north Louth.’
Carmel added that CAWT funding has been used for a number of projects locally, including Good Morning Louth and the Dundalk Men’s Sheds.
Cllr. Maeve Yore asked about patients from Louth presenting at Daisy Hill and how they would be received.
Edel explained that a Clinical Pathway Manager has been appointed at the hospital who would make the decision as to whether the patient could perhaps be treated at the MIU in Dundalk or at the Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.
Cllr. Anne Campbell queried dermatology appointments as there had been long waiting lists.
The council heard that additional dermatology appointments were being made available.
Cllr. Campbell also asked why obesity, which she described as ‘ the biggest healthcare emergency in the country’ was not given any specific focus in current CAWT programmes.
Carmel McPeake explained they had just funded a major obesity progamme, and added that the issue is covered in many other initiatives including health and wellbeing and projects aimed at those with long term conditions.’
Cllr. Conor Keelan asked about access to neurologists in the north Louth area. The council heard that the there was an issue throughout the region with recruiting consultants.’