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Finally, after four attempts, chronically ill boy receives medical card ahead of Fine Gael Ard Fheis

This weekend, Fine Gael will hold their national conference in Enda Kenny’s home county of ...
Newstalk
Newstalk

10.38 20 Feb 2015


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Finally, after four attempts,...

Finally, after four attempts, chronically ill boy receives medical card ahead of Fine Gael Ard Fheis

Newstalk
Newstalk

10.38 20 Feb 2015


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This weekend, Fine Gael will hold their national conference in Enda Kenny’s home county of Mayo - a chance for the Taoiseach to set out a clear vision for the country as the general election looms over the horizon.

However, for one constituent of the Fine Gael leader, this weekend will just be like any other, struggling to cope with the mounting medical bills for her son Ryan. Despite being born with Down Syndrome, amongst other conditions, Ryan has been refused a medical card four times.

Ryan, who was born with Down Syndrome, a hole in heart and a floppy larynx and suffers from sleep apnoea.

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He has been admitted eight times to Castlebar Hospital to undergo treatment for pneumonia and collapsed lungs.

He is also prone to convulsions and will require regular medical intervention, aids, appliances, physiotherapy, particularly in his formative years.

In November of last year, Lunchtime highlighted the issue when they spoke with his mother about the application for the fourth medical card and the fees she is forced to pay:

Earlier this week, Newstalk Breakfast reporter Kieran Cuddihy went to Mayo ahead of the Fine Gael invasion to speak to Ryan’s parents Nicola and Chris.

Although Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he was aware of the situation and hoped the situation would be resolved, the family still hadn't received anything from the HSE.

Finally, this morning there was some good news.

Following yesterday's report, every local councillor in their are contacted them and said they would get to the bottom of this.

At 6.15pm yesterday evening, Nicola and Chris got a phone call from the HSE to say that a medical card had been approved for Ryan.


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