“You cannot speak about protecting cancer patients when it suits the headlines, and then exclude the very groups who are actually getting them to hospital,” – these are the words of a Donegal charity following last week’s national fuel protests.
Donegal Cancer Flights and Services said the government was very quick to highlight the inconvenience caused to cancer patients and those travelling to hospital appointments during the recent fuel protests.
“If that concern was genuine, then it must now be matched by action,” they added.
Government measures announced in the wake of the protests include extended excise cuts, a further 10 cent per litre reduction on diesel and petrol, and supports for agriculture and transport.
However, the west Donegal based charity are seeking clarification as to whether the newly announced supports will apply to their service, given the essential role they play in helping cancer patients travel to vital hospital appointments.
“Our service includes a minibus transporting cancer patients to hospitals across the State for treatment, as well as a car service supported by several dedicated volunteer drivers who bring cancer patients to their appointments.”
“We are therefore asking clearly: are services like ours included in this support package, or are charities and voluntary patient transport services once again being left outside the scope of Government support, and expected to carry the burden alone while Government looks the other way?” the charity asked.
“You cannot speak about protecting cancer patients when it suits the headlines, and then exclude the very groups who are actually getting them to hospital. If patients matter, then the services that help them matter too. We now await a clear answer.”