Two rural Dáil Éireann deputies, Kerry’s Danny Healy Rae and West Cork’s Michael Collins had the vision in 2017 to provide a bus service to Belfast for their constituency members on long waiting lists for cataract operations – and they’re flying since.
Another Buss on Saturday
This coming Saturday, August 15th. the latest bus full of patients and their carers from Kerry and West Cork will travel on the bus to Belfast to have their long overdue operations carried out in Kingsbridge Hospital.
“The bus is organised by myself and Deputy Michael Collins.The next bus will travel this Saturday at 15th.,” said Deputy Danny Healy Rae.
Lack of Eye Services in South
Anyone with any enquiries about the lack of eye services here in the south of Ireland you’re being advised to contact Danny Healy Rae on 087 23 16 055.
“All the patients who travel on the bus are glad of this facility as they would have had to wait a very long time before their cataract procedures would be done for them in either Cork or Kerry.
Cross Border Directive Scheme
“We will continue to operate this service for as long as there is a need to.
“Hip and knee replacements along with other procedures can also be done in Belfast.
“You pay up front and you will get your money refunded to you through the HSE Cross Border Directive.
Keeping People from Going Blind
“The Cross Border Directive allows EU residents to access health services in EU member states other than their own.
“All we’re doing is making it easier for people to avail of this marvelous service in Belfast and we’re keeping them from going blind altogether.
Covid Test Needed
Those travelling on the bus now need to have a Covid test done before they travel.
This test is free of charge. Everything is arranged for the trip. Covid test is booked, return bus from Kerry to Belfast with O‘Callaghan’s Coaches, Killarney, overnight hotel accommodation and transfer from the hotel to the hospital is all included.
Glad the Service is Back
“I’m glad to get this much needed service back up and running again for all the people who badly need it and will be continuing this service into the future to ensure that people retain their eyesight,” said Deputy Healy Rae.
Contact Numbers
If anybody with cataract problems is interested in travelling to Belfast for the procedure or would like more information they can contact Danny Healy Rae on: 064 66 85315 / 087 99 75 419 or 087 23 16 055.
