Health

What people said about health services

• 55% of people said access to a GP surgery was very difficult or difficult.

• 67% of people said access to mental health services was very difficult or difficult.

• A disproportionate number of these (nearly 60%) were from Cushlawn.

• 64% said they felt their GP service was poor or very poor.

People also told community organisers how worried they were about drugs and substance misuse. They didn’t think there was enough support available for people who had addiction issues.

48% of people said access to addiction services was very difficult or difficult.

Of these, as with access to mental health services, a disproportionately large number (six out of ten) live in Cushlawn.

Quotes

What does human rights say about health services?

• Everyone has the right to enjoy the “highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.”

• This is not a right to be healthy. It’s about being able to get the right kind of care when you need it.

• There should be enough health services for everyone when they need them.

• Health services should be accessible to everyone without discrimination.

• People should be able to access regular screening programmes, appropriate treatment, essential drugs and appropriate mental health treatment & care.

What does Irish law say about health?

The Health Service Executive sets out policy on access to healthcare in the National Healthcare Charter: You and Your Health Services

These are the standards which the health service is expected to meet. It is worth comparing local people’s experiences to these detailed charter standards.

There is very little information about local standards in relation to addiction services.