Rheumatology row rumbles on at UHK

COUNCILLORS CLAIM HSE PLANS TO DOWNGRADE ARTHRITIS CARE IN KERRY

MEMBERS of Kerry County Council are calling on Minister for Health Simon Harris to intervene and solve the current impasses over Rheumatology services at University Hospital Kerry (UHK).

Though he was only appointed to the position in 2013, UHK Consultant Rheumatologist Dr Muhammad Haroon has tendered his resignation over the lack of support provided to his unit by the HSE.

At Kerry County Council’s monthly meeting four councillors tabled motions calling for immediate action on the issue.

The Motions were filed by councillors Norma Moriarty (FF), Jim Finucane (FG), Norma Foley (FF) and J.J Culloty (FF).

Councillor Culloty said it was unacceptable that the HSE is currently trying to recruit a replacement for Dr Haroon when all that is needed is to appoint an Advance Nurse Practitioner (ANP) to assist him in running the unit.

The council heard that an ANP is available to start work at UHK immediately but she is unwilling to do so as it would require her to accept a position at a lower grade.

“There’s a person there ready to do the (ANP) job but they (The HSE) won’t honour her current grade. She’s expected to take a reduced grade and isn’t willing to do that, which is totally understandable,” Cllr Culloty said.

Cllr Culloty said this impasse over the ANP grade could be resolved quickly and easily with a “very minor decision by the Department and the Minister.”

He described the HSE’s position on the matter as “bureaucratic nonsense.”

“Dr Haroon doesn’t want to leave. Why are we advertising and looking for a new consultant when we already have a very good one. He’s well liked and he gives a lot of time and consideration to his patients. There’s a downgrading going on here,” Cllr Culloty said.

Cllr Culloty also pointed out that the Rheumatology Unit at UHK is the only such unit in the country to be staffed by a single consultant with no ANP or any other medical assistants.

Cllr Jim Finucane was also highly critical of the HSE’s stance.

“Dr Haroon has been forced to tender his resignation through frustration at the lack of flexibility from the HSE. this highlights the worst excesses of the HSE which cannot bend and can’t accommodate the situation on the ground,” said Cllr Finucane.

His sentiments were echoed by Cllr Norma Foley who said it appeared that arthritis services at UHK were being downgraded.

“This is a crisis situation now. There has been a complete lack of vision and support from the HSE. We have to seek a meeting with the minister,” she said.

Arthritis Ireland wants the appointment of a Rheumatology ANP to help Dr. Haroon concentrate on seeing the new patients on the waiting list. It says Dr Haroon has had to spend considerable time doing blood tests, and other routine procedures.