Galway Bay fm newsroom – The HSE must immediately take steps to ensure that the bone-density scanning service at Merlin Park remains staffed and operational.
That’s according to Senator Trevor O’ Clochartaigh, who says that a HSE decision to close the unit is nothing short of an absolute disgrace.
It follows the revelation that the unit is set to close with immediate effect due to staffing shortages – despite having a waiting list of 20 years.
It’s claimed that the closure of the DXA scanning unit at Merlin Park will lead to a rise in fractures, and ultimately, a rise in early deaths of older people.
Prior to 2008, the unit operated two DXA scanners five days a week – however, in recent years, that has been drastically reduced to just one scanner working just two half days.
Sinn Fein Senator O’ Clochartaigh says the HSE must take immediate steps to ensure the unit remains open.
Professor John Carey, a specialist in osteoporosis at GUH, says the work of the bone scanning service is absolutely vital.