Sound clip provided by RTE Radio 1 Drivetime. Date published: Thursday 12 January 2023.
Episode Notes
HCCI CEO, Joseph Musgrave speaks with Cormac O’hEadhra on RTE Radio 1 Drivetime about how small changes to social welfare eligibility rules can drastically reduce home care waiting lists and make a significant contribution to the hospital overcrowding crisis.
Episode Breakdown – Clips of Interest
12:40 – Topic Introduction
13:24 – Joseph Musgrave, HCCI
Introduction to Discussion between Joseph Musgrave and Cormac O’hEadhra
There is currently a shortage of beds in hospitals. As of yesterday morning (Wednesday 11 January 2024) there are 550 people waiting for a hospital bed. “Delays in hospital discharges are due to a shortage in home care packages”. “The waiting list for a hospital bed could be wiped out at the stroke of a pen” says representative body. Here’s how:
“The organisation that represents private home care providers says that a temporary suspension of social welfare earning thresholds to allow home carers to work just 3 more hours per week without losing social welfare benefits. Do that they say, and it would cut the waiting list for a hospital bed completely. I’m joined on the line by Joseph Musgrave, CEO of Home and Community Care Ireland (HCCI). Joseph you’re more than welcome to the programme. “
Find out more about Home Care in Ireland on the HCCI website. More information is also available on our HCCI socials: Facebook and Linkedin.