Normal service must begin to resume in some private hospitals as soon as possible, according to independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice. <\/span><\/p>\n

For the past few weeks, private hospitals have been taken over to aid in the fight against Covid-19. <\/span><\/p>\n

With the number of people with Covid-19 in hospitals dropping below 300 this week, the Roscommon-Galway representative believes the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, needs to make changes to the arrangement \u2013 which is being discussed by Cabinet today. <\/span><\/p>\n

Speaking on the matter, Fitzmaurice said: \u201cWhile it was necessary for private hospitals to be called upon in order to combat Covid-19, it is now time for normal service to resume in at least some of these private hospitals. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere are countless people across the country which depend on private hospitals for a variety of procedures. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy office has been contacted by various people who requirement operations, such as a hip replacement for example, but whose appointments have been postponed. Some of these people are in constant pain and require the operation as a matter of urgency. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith the number of people with Covid-19 now in hospital dropping below 300, it\u2019s time to begin easing the hold over private hospitals. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhile it is important to consider the possible implications of a second wave, people cannot be left to suffer any longer. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt would also reduce the \u20ac115 million a bill that is being racked up as a result of the decision to use private hospitals during the pandemic,\u201d Fitzmaurice concluded. <\/span><\/p>\n

Michael Fitzmaurice TD 086-1914565<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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