By Gary Culliton.
There are currently intolerable delays in approval for prosthesis for those with a medical card, it has been alleged.
Long waits are experienced in the sanctioning process across the country and there are variances in different counties — ranging from 13 days in Donegal and 82 days in Monaghan to 189 days in Wicklow, Michael McWilliam of Amputee Ireland said. European Limb Loss Day on December 3 last sought to highlight the needs of amputees in Ireland.
Increasing numbers of people are affected by limb loss and Amputee Ireland represents the interests of over 4,000 amputees in Ireland. Limb loss can result from a medical illness, congenital abnormality or trauma such as motorbike, car, farm, workplace or factory accidents. Most of the amputations that occur every year could be prevented. The majority of amputations involve complications related to diabetes or peripheral arterial disease. An increasing number of amputations are commonly linked to diabetes, with over 60 per cent in Ireland among older people.
A key focus for the charity is its campaign for free prosthetics for amputees. A first or new prosthetic is expensive and not all amputees have medical cards. Those with private medical insurance experience rising premium costs yet decreasing benefits, and some insurance providers do not offer cover for a new prosthesis.
gary.culliton@imt.ie
About Gary Culliton
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