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May 12, 28, 2015, May 2016,t:t: 01 01901 9015556/7, 5565 e: info@wicklowvoice.ie e: info@wicklowvoice.ie
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Nine-year-old Lily has Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Hemiplegia and Microcephaly but the HSE has taken away her medical card while her two healthy brothers are granted free under-six GP Visit Cards
Help me minister By Michelle McGlynn
IN the same week as Wicklow TD Simon Harris was announced as Minister for Health, it was revealed that a young Wicklow girl had her discretionary medical card revoked. Lily Norman (9) from Kilcoole suffers from a number of conditions including Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Hemiplegia and Microcephaly. Lily previously held a discretionary medical card which was granted based on medical need but her application for renewal was denied last week. Linda, her mother, received a letter stating that the application had been denied as they were outside of the financial threshold despite the fact that their financial situation had not changed. At the same time, Linda’s two sons Fred (5) and Max (3) were granted free under-six GP Visit cards even though they did not request them and do not suffer
Lily holding her rejection letter from the HSE with her brothers Max (3) and Fred (5) from a long-term illness. “I would gladly give back the boys’ GP Visit cards if it meant that I could have Lily’s medical card back,” Linda told the Wicklow Voice. Several attempts were made by the Wicklow Voice to contact Fine Gael TD and new Minister for Health, Simon Harris in relation to the upsetting and
stressful situation that the Norman family now find themselves in but we received no response at the time of going to press. “I am particularly upset that the new Minister for Health has not responded given that he is a local man and has a brother with special needs himself,” Linda told the Wicklow Voice.
“Lily has fought very hard to get to where she is and this is extremely upsetting for us.” Social Democrats TD Stephen Donnelly spoke to the Wicklow Voice and stated that “the medical card should immediately be reactivated for this young girl. Continued on page 6
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06| NEWS news in brief Blessington award THE Blessington Bookstore fought off strong competition from all over Ireland to be chosen as the Best Independent Bookstore 2016 in this region. Staff attended the award ceremony in the UK this week as they were shortlisted for Best Independent Bookstore in UK and Ireland. There will be a number of free events taking place in the bookshop during Independent Booksellers Week between June 18 -25 to celebrate the win and thank all those who help make the bookshop so special.
wicklowvoice.ie May 12 2016
Efforts to blacken new ‘Simon, please minister go up in smoke help me to get my
medical card back’
Carboot Sale The Carlisle Carboot Sale will be held on May 21 in the Carlisle Grounds, Bray from 8.00am to 1.30pm. It’s €10 for cars and €15 for vans and set up begins at 7am.
Bray Singers’ Circle On May 21, the May session of the Bray Singers’ Circle will be held at 9.00 in the Tennis Club, Vevay Rd in Bray. All singers and listeners are warmly invited to an evening of songs and admission is free.
“One of the most egregious acts of Fine Gael in the last government was to cancel discretionary medical cards, leading to untold and unnecessary suffering for people across Wicklow,” Stephen Donnelly TD told the Wicklow Voice on hearing of Lily’s application for renewal of her discretionary medical card. The Wicklow Voice contacted the HSE about Lily’s case and were told that they were not in a position to comment on individual cases for reasons of confidentiality. “The HSE is committed to ensuring that everyone who is eligible for a medical card receives one as quickly as possible,” said a spokesperson for the Office of the Chief Officer, HSE. “Individuals and families who are not eligible for a medical card, or who are no longer eligible for a medical card, may be eligible for a GP Visit Card or the Long Term Illness Scheme.” Lily is in receipt of a Long Term Illness Card due to her
Epilepsy but this card only covers her Epilepsy and rescue medication as well as the cost of her orthotic boots. If the discretionary medical card is taken from her, Lily will not be covered for other medications, GP visits or trips to A&E in the event of a seizure. According to the HSE website, “The HSE routinely considers if the refusal of eligibility will result in ‘undue financial hardship’ for the applicant or any dependants.” If Lily had previously been eligible and there has been no change of circumstances then why is the refusal of the medical card no longer considered to result in undue financial hardship for the Norman family? “I have received letters of support for Lily’s multidisciplinary team in Enable Ireland, her GP, her Paediatrician and her Neurologist,” Linda told the Wicklow Voice. “They all fully endorse our application for renewal.” Linda has submitted an application for appeal this week and awaits a response.
have been part of its story for so long.” A former student, he has been involved with the school for most of his life and has great passion for his work. He is the school’s first “homegrown” principal. Mr Gregory first came to Presentation College as a student in 1967 and “certainly never imagined” at that time that he would one day become principal. After graduating, he moved on to UCD where he be-
gan his studies to become a secondary school teacher. During his time in this role, he has developed strong relationships with staff, students, parents and the local community. Outgoing principal Gerry Duffy has welcomed the appointment of Mr Gregory. “This is great news for Pat and for the school, giving us the sort of continuity that everyone wants,” Mr Duffy told the Wicklow Voice. “Gerry Duffy leaves behind him a wonderful legacy and it is my very strong ambition to consolidate the great work already done and to further develop all that goes on in the college,” said Mr Gregory. “I wish him every success and happiness in retirement, He fully deserves a bit of peace and quiet after all his years of unstinting service.”
Continued from front page
By Michelle McGlynn LESS than one week after being appointed Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD has been targeted by internet trolls. An image was widely shared on social media this week seemingly depicting the Fine Gael minister enjoying a cigarette after the new cabinet was announced last Friday. The image had been doc-
tored to include a lit cigarette in Minister Harris’ hand but as can be seen above, the original image clearly shows that there was nothing in his hand. The Photoshopped image had been posted online stating that it was “disgraceful that the new Health Minister celebrated his new position with a smoke”. The attempt to tarnish the Wicklow TD’s image failed after the original image sur-
faced and revealed the truth. Harris has not had the smoothest start in the high profile position as senior doctors and hospital emergency consultants criticised the proposed plans to tackle the trolley crisis. “The current minimalist Programme for Government is likely to see a further 1,5001,750 members of the community die as a result of this inertia,” they warned.
‘Homegrown’ Pat named as Pres principal By Michelle McGlynn
IT has been announced that Pat Gregory will be taking on the role of Presentation College Bray principal from September 2016. Mr Gregory will be taking over from Gerry Duffy as he will be retiring at the end of the current school year. He began teaching in the school in 1976 and became Deputy Principal in 1992. Mr Gregory is an integral part of Presentation College and its success over the years. “I am delighted and very proud to be given the opportunity to lead such an outstanding college,” Mr Gregory told the Wicklow Voice. “Presentation College Bray is a fantastic place and it has been an absolute privilege to