Archive for July 2009

HSE opening salvo in pharmacy war

July 31, 2009 Donegal News & Sport, Leitrim News & Sport, Sligo News & Sport No comments
Battle continues between pharmacies and the HSE

Battle continues between pharmacies and the HSE

In the opening salvo in the Pharmacy ‘war’ the HSE have warned pharmacists of their obligations under existing contracts, if they withdraw from the State Drug Scheme without, what they say is requisite notice.

And it could get nastier before the plaster is applied and the healing begins:

The HSE warned:

“Any such action would require the HSE to insist that the pharmacy continues to honour the terms of the Community Pharmacy Contractor Agreement. In the event that this is unsuccessful it may be necessary to pursue the matter through legal means.

But the IPU, the Irish Pharmaceutical Union which represents the pharmacists claim that lists issued by the HSE included members who had already indicated to them that they were withdrawing from the scheme as of August 1st.

A north west based pharmacist told irishdigest.com:

“The list that were published contained names of people who have already indicated that they were withdrawing from the scheme. In some cases the HSE claimed that the pharmacists in question had not adhered to the correct procedure for termination of their contracts. There is a high level of anger out there and we want to get back to do what do best and that is caring for the community.”

But Laverne McGuinness, National Director of the HSE’s Primary, Continuing and Community Care said:

“The pharmacy network in Ireland is central to the health service and provides crucial and highly professional service and we are anxious to support and strengthen it.

“However, the cost to tax-payers to provide medicines under the State Drug Schemes is unsustainable. It is now approaching €2 billion annually and we must continue to put in place efficiency measures to address these escalating costs.

She added:

“The vast majority of patients and clients get a month’s medication at a time so there should be ample time for patients and clients whose usual pharmacy has withdrawn from the State Drug Scheme to make alternative arrangements.”

 

Contingency Arrangements

Due to pharmacies withdrawing their termination notices in some areas, the HSE has put two of its contingency dispensing facilities (Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim and Falcarragh, Co. Donegal) on standby and they will not be in operation from 1st August 2009. Where necessary the HSE has put in place alternative arrangements to ensure that everyone who requires medicines under the State Drugs Schemes can continue to access them (see below). The opening hours of these facilities will be Monday to Friday 10am – 8pm (excluding Bank Holiday Monday) and Saturdays 10am – 6pm.

 

Aras Naomh Chaolain, Knock Road, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Donegal Community Hospital, Donegal Town, Co.Donegal

Dungloe Community Hospital, Dungloe, Co. Donegal

St Joseph’s Community Hospital, Stranolar, Co. Donegal

St Marys Hospital, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Ballina Health Centre, Mercy Road, Ballina, Co Mayo

Arus Deirbhle, Belmullet, Co Mayo

Caherciveen Hospital, Caherciveen, Co. Kerry

19 Denny Street , Tralee, Co. Kerry

Listowel Community Hospital, Listowel, Co. Kerry

 

 

Patients who are concerned they may require additional supports should contact the HSE information line on 1850 24 1850, which will be open from 8am until 8pm on Saturday.

 

Termination Procedure according to HSE

Pharmacies who wish to terminate their Agreements with the HSE must provide a valid 30 day written notice and importantly must continue to be available to fill prescriptions under the State Drug Schemes during this 30 day period. If, for example, a pharmacy submitted a valid termination notice on 31st July they must continue to fill prescriptions under the State Drug Schemes until 30th August.

 

A pharmacy that withdraws service during this 30 day notice period they would be in breach of Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) Act 2009.  Any such action would require the HSE to insist that the pharmacy continues to honour the terms of the Community Pharmacy Contractor Agreement. In the event that this is unsuccessful it may be necessary to pursue the matter through legal means.

 

The withdrawal of State Drug Scheme services without fulfilling the 30 days notice period which resulted in patients being refused service and would be subject to Part 6 of the Pharmacy Act 2007, which comes into effect on Saturday 1st August 2009. This provides for Complaints, Inquires and Discipline regime for pharmacists and pharmacy businesses.

Consistency the key as Donegal name same 15

July 31, 2009 Irish News & Sport No comments
 

Donegal unchanged for Cork game

Donegal unchanged for Cork game

 

Consistency was the theme as Donegal named their starting line up for the All-Ireland quarter final on Sunday in Croke Park.

It is the same team listed to start last week against Galway and the same fifteen that lined out against Derry in Round 3 of the Qualifiers.

 Out through injury since the Clare game is their 2006 goalscorer against Cork, Christy Toye while the Cork goalscorer that day, James Masters is again named in the Rebels full forward line.

Michael Murphy from Glenswilly remains the top scorer in the championship to date, adding another five to his tally last weekend in Markievicz Park.

 The team is:

1 Micheal Boyle        

2 Frank Mc Glynn    

3 Neil McGee                

4 Karl Lacey                  

5 Barry Dunnion       

6 Barry Monaghan   

7 Eamon Mc Gee        

8 Brendan Boyle         

9 Kevin Cassidy           

10 RoryKavanagh (C) 

11 Brian Roper     

12 Leo McLoone     

13 Conal Dunne

14 Micheal Murphy

15 Colm McFadden 

X-ray problems at Letterkenny Hospital

July 31, 2009 Donegal News & Sport No comments

 

Long delays have been experienced at Letterkenny GenerProblems at Letterkenny General Hospitalal Hospital today, for those waiting on x-ray results. This follows problems with the computer system in the radiology department.

In a statement issued this morning the HSE said: “Due to difficulties with our Radiology computer system, there are currently long delays in the processing of x-rays and other radiology imaging.

All radiology at Letterkenny General Hospital is computerized and, consequently, the system difficulties will cause significant increases in waiting times for patients.

“IT experts are working with our Radiology staff to rectify the problem, but it currently looks like the difficulties will persist over the weekend.

“The hospital apologizes to the public for any delays they encounter in either the X-Ray Department or A&E over the next few days.

The Hospital have asked patients and relatives “to bear with us and have patience with our staff, who are trying to maintain the best service despite these difficulties.”

Creeper burglaries hit Donegal

July 31, 2009 Donegal News & Sport, Fermanagh News & Sport, Leitrim News & Sport, Sligo News & Sport No comments
Creeper burglaries are increasing in Donegal and Northern Ireland

Creeper burglaries are increasing in Donegal and Northern Ireland

Investigations are continuing into a spate of creeper burglaries in Donegal.

The latest incident took place between midnight and the early hours of yesterday morning in the Ballymaleel area of Letterkenny.

The modus operandi of Creeper burglaries are heartless thieves entering premises when the occupants of the household are asleep in bed.

In many instances car keys have been left accessible so the vehicle is subsequently stolen.

Police statistics indicate that up to 50 per cent of burglaries are caused by leaving doors and windows open.

There has been a whole spate of such burglaries reported throughout Northern Ireland in recent months and it appears that the trend has now moved across to Donegal and the North West.

Another new trend in the North West have been travelling gangs who enter business premises, distract the owner or shop assistant and make away with items and goods.

And like all crime, the border is seen as a quick escape route, in either direction.

A few practical measure like ensuring everything is locked up properly at night can help.

Leaving keys of vehicles in obvious place downstairs is another attraction for these nasty thieves, who do not care for either the individual or their property.

If you see something suspicious, contact gardai or the PSNI immediately. Don’t reflect on your poor judgement the next day, when you hear that something bad happened.

Given edges closer to century of Irish caps

July 30, 2009 Irish News & Sport No comments
Already on 96 caps Shay Given is edging towards the 100 mark

Already on 96 caps Shay Given is edging towards the 100 mark

Donegal’s Shay Given has been named in the 24-man Irish squad to take on Australia in the new Thomand Park, Limerick, next Wednesday.

If he is selected Shay will be earning his 97th cap, just three off the legendary 100 mark for the Republic of Ireland.

When you consider that his equally famous predecessor, Irish and Celtic goalkeeper Packie Bonner from the Rosses ended his career with a total of 80 caps, Given’s performance can be put into an even greater context.

In terms of Donegal’s contribution to net minding for the Irish Republic Packie made his first international debut against Poland in 1981.

To think that the fate of Irish soccer has been in the hands of two Donegal men for the last quarter century, is certainly interesting to contemplate – in fact it is an amazing statistic.  

Givens has found a new lease of life after transferring from Newcastle to Manchester City earlier in the year and barring misfortune or injury, the Donegal man will pass one of the great milestone in Irish and world soccer – gaining 100 caps for playing at international level.

Now that will certainly be something to cheer about!

Cork v Donegal – A look at the Leesiders

July 30, 2009 Irish News & Sport One comment
Graham Canty, (left) Cork captain is confident ahead of Sunday's clash. This year the GAA celebrates its 125th anniversary as you can gather from the old style jersey's in Croke Park

Graham Canty, (left) Cork captain is confident ahead of Sunday's clash. This year the GAA celebrates its 125th anniversary as you can gather from the old style jersey's in Croke Park

While Donegal are delighted to be in the All-Ireland quarter final this Sunday, their opposition Cork appear to be very confident going into the game, and that in many ways will be a good thing for Donegal.

The Leesiders point to their success in the championship at this stage and their superior record since the format of the All-Ireland championship changed at the beginning of the new millennium.

Since the All –Ireland qualifiers were started in 2001 they have defeated Mayo (2002), Galway (2005), Donegal (2006), Sligo (2007) and Kildare last year at the quarter final stage.

Donegal’s quarter-final victory in 2003 stands out, before going on to be defeated by Armagh in the semi final.

But they have also lost to Dublin after an All-Ireland quarter final replay in 2002 and by Sunday’s opponents Cork, back in 2006.

This is Donegal’s first appearance in the last eight, since that 2006 Croke Park game, the same year that they got to an All-Ireland minor semi final against Kerry.

It has been a week since Donegal played in the championship, a month since Cork played out their Munster Football championship victory.

Anthony Lynch is back on the Cork team after recovering from a groin strain and Noel O’Leary is back after serving a four week suspension.

The third change from the Munster Final is John Miskella, who had been out with a knee injury. Their inclusion is at the loss of Kieran O’Connor, Ger Spillane and Brian O’Regan.

Donegal have yet to name their team, but there should be very few surprises unless injury problems emerge in the interim.

Big performances in the forward line by Michael Murphy and Colm McFadden will need to be added to, this time around, if Donegal are to advance.  

The theme of the Cork build up seems to be that while they are paying “respect” for the Donegal players, for improving on their earlier championship efforts, Cork very much expect to win this game.

Wouldn’t it be nice to balance up the wins by the Tirchonaill squad this Sunday?

The Cork football team to play Donegal has been named as follows:

 (1)1Alan Quirke (Valley Rovers)

 (2) Ray Carey (Clyda Rovers)

 (3) Michael Shields (St. Finbarrs)

 (4) Anthony Lynch (Naomh Aban)

 (5) Noel O Leary (Cill na Martra)

 (6) Graham Canty (Bantry Blues) – Capt.

(7) John Miskella (Ballincollig)

 (8) Alan O Connor (St. Colums)

(9) Nicholas Murphy (Carrigaline)

 (10) Paul Kerrigan (Nemo Rangers)

 (11) Pearse O Neill (Aghada)

(12) Paddy Kelly (Ballincollig)

 (13) Daniel Goulding (Eire Og)

(14) James Masters (Nemo Rangers)

 (15) Donnacha O Connor (Ballydesmond)

LUAS closures that affect Donegal supporters

July 30, 2009 Irish News & Sport No comments

There will be a TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CONNOLLY & BUSÁRAS LUAS STOPS  THIS AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND, that will affect Donegal supporters in Dublin who may be trying to gain access to Croke Park. 

In a statement issued on behalf of Luas they said:  
We want to keep you informed about some temporary changes to LUAS services which may affect GAA supporters travelling to Croke Park this coming August Bank Holiday weekend. 
 
On Saturday August 1st, Sunday August 2nd and Bank Holiday Monday August 3rd Connolly and Busáras LUAS Stops will be closed.

During this closure all LUAS Red Line services will terminate at Abbey Street Stop. Connolly and Busáras Stops will re-open at the normal operating time of 5.30am on Tuesday 4th August.

The rest of the LUAS Red Line will operate as close to normal as possible during these works.
Please forward this e-mail and attached posters to all the clubs in your Counties and to anyone who may be affected.   

WALKING MAP TO CROKE PARK FROM ABBEY STREET

Walking map to Croke Park

Walking map to Croke Park

‘Mná Tí’ of Donegal – A 100 year old industry under threat

July 30, 2009 Donegal News & Sport No comments

 

Gráinne Mhic Géidigh

Gráinne Mhic Géidigh

A meeting of the ‘Mná Tí’ in the Donegal Gaeltacht has been called for An Chrannóg, Gaoth Dobhair on Tuesday next, the 4th August at 6.30pm. 

This meeting is for everyone who keeps Gaeilge students, the Bean an Tí and Fear an Tí, the people who welcome the students into their homes, help them learn Gaeilge, and look after them for the duration of their course. 

The meeting is also for anyone involved directly or indirectly with summer colleges, the officials, the organisers, the teachers, former students and anyone who has concerns about the future of the language, the future of the Gaeltacht and the future of the Colaistí Samhraidh and they are urged to come to the Crannóg on Tuesday evening 4th August at 6.30pm. 

 

Gráinne Mhic Géidigh, Sinn Féin’s Bord Údarás na Gaeltachta member told irishdigest.com:

“Colm McCarthy was appointed by the Minister for Finance ‘to examine the current expenditure programmes and to make recommendations so as to ensure a return to sustainable public finances’ but he got it seriously wrong!  He recommends ‘the discontinuation of specific Gaeltacht Schemes’(p41 vol 11) These schemes actually do make money!  Doing away with the Gaeilge College industry won’t save money!  It will have a devastating effect on the local economy, on tourism and on the families who accommodate the students from all over Ireland. 

 

“Over 26,000 students come to the various Gaeltachts every year, this alone is a huge influx of people to the area, and on top of that their families and friends visit them at least once during the course.  They eat drink and sleep while they are here.  What about the chip shops, the restaurants, the pubs, the B&B’s, the shops, the people who provide entertainment, the musicians, the hotels, and all the visitor centers.”

 

She said that everyone in the Donegal Gaeltacht must do all they can to ensure that this scheme is NOT discontinued.

Sligo GAA keep faith with Walsh

July 29, 2009 Irish News & Sport No comments
Sligo have kept faith with former Galway players Kevin Walsh

Sligo have kept faith with former Galway player Kevin Walsh

There has been general welcome following the ratification of the reappointment of Kevin Walsh as Sligo senior team manager, until at least the end of the 2010 season.

The move follows a unanimous decison at last night’s Sligo GAA County Board meeting.

The former Galway great came within a point of causing the biggest champiomship upset in years when the Yeats County came within a point of Kerry in the All-Ireland qualifiers.

The Sligo team, although defeated by Galway in the Connacht semi final have shown enough sparkle under the former All-Star, that belied their position earlier in the year, playing in Division 4 of the NFL.

Meanwhile Donegal folk are getting geared up for the ‘rebel’ clash with Cork on Sunday in Croke Park. 

Four wins on the trot now gives them a shot at an All-Ireland semi final slot, something few would have believed after defeat to Antrim and an indifferent start against Carlow in the All-Ireland qualifiers.

Walk in the footsteps of your ancestors at Lough Derg

July 29, 2009 Donegal News & Sport, Fermanagh News & Sport No comments

A unique event is planned on the island on Sunday, 16th August

A unique event is planned on the island on Sunday, 16th August

Join us, support us and celebrate with us –that is the message from Lough Derg as they launch the first ever ‘Ancient Pilgrim Path Walk’ as part of an inaugural National Day event. 

Lough Derg, listed as one of the top 10 pilgrimage sites in Europe in The Times earlier this year, has been around for 1500 years so a National Day to celebrate that rich past in Ireland’s Christian heritage is well overdue. Anyone who has had the privilege of being able ‘to do’ Lough Derg knows that it involves a fair bit of walking, indeed pilgrimage the world over is synomous with walking, a journey of sorts…so what better way to launch the first National Lough Derg Day, than with a sponsored walk. . . not just any old walk but a walk following the ancient path to the famous pilgrimage site, which our ancestors would have travelled by foot. 

Taking place on Sunday 16th August, it will be an historic but fun way to end the traditional three-day pilgrimage season which kicked off on 29th May and continues until 15th August. Lough Derg is welcoming ‘walkers’ and fundraisers to become a Friend of Lough Derg and walk the 9km path taken by pilgrims in centuries gone by. Such a day is long overdue and is surely a positive sign of hope, in these days when all we hear about is recession and despair, that this ancient place of prayer on a small remote Island in Donegal is choosing 2009 to celebrate – celebrate being an oasis of grace in what has become a depressed society.  It is notable that Lough Derg has enjoyed a more than 10% increase in pilgrim numbers at this stage of the season.

This interesting walk is part of the Heritage Council’s Pilgrim Paths network. The walk follows the footsteps of the medieval pilgrim, not to Station Island where pilgrims go today, but to the threshold of the larger Saints Island, which acted as the gateway to Station Island several hundred years ago.

Entry forms and an information pack can be requested directly from Lough Derg or downloaded from www.loughderg.org  We know the people of Ireland will get behind this great cause and come out and support us.  Monsignor Richard Mohan commented, 

“It should be a fun day out for all the family.  Not only then will this be a great fundraiser, but an opportunity to unite Friends of Lough Derg throughout the country on one day.” 

So bring the family, bring a friend but most importantly bring a good pair of walking shoes!  If you can’t make it to Lough Derg for the National Day Walk-that’s okay there will be lots of opportunities to get involved. Unite with us in the spirit of Lough Derg in your own community. 

The All-Ireland County Challenge!

For those who cannot make it to the Donegal Island, Lough Derg is challenging pilgrims or walking clubs to organise or take part in a similar distance in every county in Ireland!  The only requirement is that the walk takes place on the same day as the principal event at the Island shore.  County events will be supported by Lough Derg who will supply support materials and event packs.  Pilgrims can check out which counties have signed up so far online or by simply dropping into the FoLD office on the Island.

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