This article is from page 19 of the 2006-05-02 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 19 JPG
SUFFERERS of arthritis in Clare are calling for more services to be made available in the county.
Members of the Clare branch of Arthritis Ireland say that people are being forced to make uncomfortable journeys outside the county to receive the correct treatment.
The branch made the call ahead of an information and awareness day to be held on Sunday, May 7 in the Auburn Lodge Ennis from 3-6pm.
Committee member Biddy Fitzpatrick says there is a lack of suitable services within the county for Arthritis sufferers.
“Definitely a lot more needs to be done,” she said. “We need a rheumatologist for Clare.
“We only have one coming out every two weeks and that is not enough.
“There are people forced to travel to Limerick, Cork, Galway and Dublin.”
The Clare branch have discussed the matter with the Health Services Executive (HSE) and are hopeful that more services will be provided in the future.
Mrs Fitzpatrick, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and has had two knee replacement operations, says travelling is a very uncomfortable experience for arthritis sufferers.
“It is a very painful condition and it no joke, I can tell you, if you have to go travelling,” she said.
“But the operations were worth it in the long run,” she said.
“I would encourage people to come to the information nights so they know what services are available to them.”
The information day will feature three lectures by specialists and will begin with a lecture on “New Advances in Rheumatology” from Dr. Carmel Silke, consultant rheumatologist with the Galway Clinic.
This will be followed by Ms. Jutta Brassil, an acupuncturist from Ennis, who will speak on ‘The Role of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Arthritis’.
Mr. Aiden Devitt, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon from Merlin Park Hospital Galway will also speak, as will Ms. Eileen O’Connor, a local physiotherapist.
In addition to the four talks on the day, Aids to Independence, Ennis Leisure Centre, Personal Lifting Systems, Carmel’s Health Store, Arthritis Ireland and the Citizen’s Information Service will be displaying a range of information on a variety of issues.
“Our aim is to bring support, information and education to people with arthritis,” said a spokesperson for Arthritis Ireland.
“The findings of a recent survey highlight that 42 per cent of chronic pain cases in this country remain undiagnosed.
“And five per cent of survey respondents have never seen their doctor about their chronic pain.”