New Kerry medical facility sparks town tension – ‘Killarney makes no sense'
Such a facility would cater for the rising population in Tralee and help ease pressure at UHK's Accident & Emergency Unit where patients are waiting unreasonable amounts of time for treatment.
According to the HSE website, MIUs treat non-life-threatening cases that are unlikely to require admission to hospital.
They are designed to help many of the injuries that people go to the emergency department with – such as broken bones, dislocations, and minor burns. Usually, MIU's will offer treatment such as x-rays, plaster casts, and wound care.
Cllr Daly demanded an update on the matter saying reports of the MIU going to Killarney is unacceptable given the larger population in Tralee and its environs.
'This is a huge issue for the town. I've heard reports that this, possibly, is going to be located in Killarney rather than in Tralee,' he said.
'I don't know how this can happen when the facts and figures show that 70 per cent of the people using A&E are living in and around the Tralee area, North Kerry, and West Kerry. It makes no sense to bring it to Killarney,' Cllr Daly said.
He explained that if a new MIU were based in Killarney, it would only result in doubling the journey for patients in cases where they require ongoing hospital treatment.
'They would only be coming back to Tralee again if their minor injuries are considered serious enough that they must use A&E. Where and when was this decision made? What can be done about it?' Cllr Daly asked.
Tralee MD management said this is a matter for consideration by the elected members. Cllr Daly's motion was seconded by Cllr Deirdre Ferris.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Journal
4 days ago
- The Journal
Being a first-time TD: Martin Daly on keeping his GP practice going and his concerns about racism
AS THE DÁIL summer recess continues, we have been working through the list of newly elected TDs to learn more about how they are adjusting to life in Leinster House. Last week we caught up with Fine Gael's James Geoghegan and Fianna Fáil's Erin McGreehan , today we hear from Fianna Fáil TD for Roscommon-Galway, Martin Daly. Following his election in November last year, Daly, a practising GP and former president of the Irish Medical Organisation, was quickly appointed as his party's spokesperson on health and disability. He spoke to The Journal by phone as he travelled from his GP practice to a constituency clinic in Roscommon, and told us how he is managing to juggle the two roles, why it was always going to be Fianna Fáil for him, and shared his concerns about a rise in racism in Ireland. Is life as a TD what you expected? 'Yes. Well, I had been involved in local politics for a long number of years, and I understood the role of the TD pretty well. 'I always respected our TDs and senators and our county councillors as well-intentioned, hard-working individuals. So I was under no illusions that the job would be demanding and that it would entail considerable work and commitment. 'So there are no surprises there from my part. I was a busy GP in my career, and it's very much like that in terms of the demands,' Daly said. Since becoming a TD, Daly has continued to 'help out' at his practice, usually on a Monday or Friday morning when the Dáil isn't sitting. He has worked at the practice in Ballygar in Galway for over 30 years, running it with his wife, Dr Myriam Mangan, and a business partner, Dr Clodagh Murray. In total, four doctors work at the practice, including him, but Daly said they could do with another one now that he is a TD. He says this work, and the issues he saw patients dealing with, has been one of the driving forces that led him to politics. Daly comes from a 'long line of Fianna Fáil supporters', and this is why the party was a 'natural fit' for him. Advertisement 'I was born into a Fianna Fáil family and anything alternative to that would have been considered heresy,' he said, adding that he was involved in Ógra Fianna Fáil in his youth and has long canvassed for Fianna Fáil candidates long before he ever ran for election. Peak and pit What has been the highlight of being a TD so far? 'It's a great privilege, number one, being elected by your constituency. 'So being elected was a highlight, but as a TD, I represented the Oireachtas at the United Nations on 22 July at a high-level intergovernmental meeting on sustainable development. 'I was a first responder from the floor for the panel for sustainable development, equality and health, and I have to say it's not something, if you asked me 12 months ago, I would have expected to have done. And I have to say I was proud to be at the United Nations and representing the Oireachtas.' Daly on the campaign trail Martin Daly Martin Daly Any lowlights? 'The plight of the Palestinian people in Gaza. 'I do think that while the Irish government has gone out on a limb internationally to advocate for Palestinian people in Gaza, there are times I get depressed by the lack of progress. 'Ireland is a small country. We cannot do this on our own. We do need the big countries to act to prevent further genocide in Gaza. And that, to me, is the disappointment that has continued to persist during my time as a TD.' In terms of what more Ireland could do, Daly said he would like the government to 'do everything we can that would be effective in getting the attention of the Israeli Government in terms of how it is prosecuting the war and the occupation of the West Bank.' Asked if he is in favour of including services in the forthcoming Occupied Territories legislation , Daly said: 'My concern is that anything we do should be effective and should have culture-changing behaviour in terms of the Israelis, and that we should also be careful that we don't injure our own prospects in terms of our industry and our employment.' He added: 'I think our best hope is in influencing bigger countries. And we have seen a shift in the British position, in the French position and the Canadian position, and we need to continue to work through the powerful union of the European Union.' Related Reads Being a first-time TD: Will I still be doing this at 80? I don't know but I love it for now. Being a first-time TD: I was told people like me don't go to college. This is a dream come true. Being a first-time TD: 'People are much nicer in the Dáil bar than they are in the chamber' Daly added, however, that he has been 'disappointed by the attitude of the European Union' in relation to Israel and Palestine. Any surprises since becoming a TD? 'Well, it's not really a surprise, but it's really reaffirmed my confidence in people in general. 'The vast majority of people are trying to live their lives productively and happily, and looking for basic access to basic services and are extremely easy to deal with. 'It's reaffirmed my faith in people, and I hope that I personally will be able to add to the constituency and advocate on their behalf nationally.' Final musings 'One concern I've had since becoming a TD is the rise in racism. 'I'm half Indian by birth. My mother was an Indian doctor who came and lived in Ireland and practised here and raised her family,' Daly said. 'I am disappointed and dismayed by the rising racism. And I have to say, I was hugely and emotionally upset by the individual reports of assaults on the Indian community in Ireland.' In recent weeks, the Indian embassy in Ireland has warned its citizens to take safety precautions for their personal safety after what it says has been a rise in physical attacks on members of the Indian community. Just this week, a family in Waterford spoke out about how their six-year-old daughter was attacked and racially abused and a man suffered head injuries after an early morning attack in Dublin. Daly made the point that these communities have been invited in by Ireland to work and said that without them, the country 'would grind to a halt at this stage'. He plans to arrange a meeting with the Indian ambassador to Ireland to discuss the rise in racism. 'I do think public representatives need to speak out about the value that our immigrant community bring to our society and our economy,' Daly said. 'There's a role for government to educate people, but I also think there should be zero tolerance in relation to racism.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Agriland
06-08-2025
- Agriland
EPA: 'Urgent need' for mandatory registration of private water supplies
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned that there is an "urgent need" for mandatory registration of private drinking water supplies. The total number of small private supplies (SPS) remains unknown as there is no legal obligation to register them. Unregistered supplies are not monitored by local authorities. The EPA Drinking Water Quality in Private Group Schemes and Small Private Supplies 2024 Report, released today (Wednesday, July 23), shows that 24 private group schemes (PGS) failed to meet E. coli standards. This figure is up by 13 from the EPA report issued in 2022. Furthermore, 19 PGS failed to meet trihalmethanes (THMs) standards in 2024. Currently, over 370 PGS supply drinking water to 193,000 people across rural communities in Ireland. In addition, many businesses and public facilities supply water from their own private wells, these are categorised as small private supplies (SPS). There are almost 1,700 SPS registered with local authorities, but many more are not registered. These include supplies serving schools, nursing homes, sports clubs, and self-catering accommodation. Source: EPA Drinking Water Quality in Private Group Schemes and Small Private Supplies 2024 Report EPA director, Micheál Lehane said: "The lack of a mandatory requirement to register a private supply serving water to the public is a serious legislative gap that must be addressed. "Without registration and subsequent monitoring by local authorities, consumers are unaware of the potential health risk they may be exposed to. "Everyone has the right to safe drinking water. We want to see mandatory registration, but in the interim we strongly encourage private suppliers to register with local authorities so that all proper safety checks can be carried out on their supply.' The EPA has stated that meeting E. coli standards is a "minimum requirement" in the provision of safe drinking water and failures indicate a lack of proper disinfection which must be addressed by water suppliers. E. coli failures were recorded in 51 SPS that were monitored by local authorities, posing a risk to consumers that use these supplies. Programme manager at the EPA's office of radiation protection and environmental monitoring, Noel Byrne, said: 'E. coli contamination of a drinking water supply can cause serious public health impacts. "E. coli compliance has declined with almost double the number of private supplies failing in 2024 compared to 2022. "This needs to be addressed as every community deserves access to safe, clean drinking water. Suppliers must take action to upgrade their systems and meet standards. "Local authorities, as the regulator of private group schemes, need to take the necessary enforcement action to ensure public health is protected.' THMs can form when natural material like leaves or other organic matter in the water source, react with chlorine used to disinfect the drinking water. According to the EPA, while disinfection is essential, THM levels should also be kept as low as possible and in compliance with the drinking water standards. In 2024, 19 PGS supplying 21,800 people failed the standard for THMs. This shows little change from 2023 when 21 schemes supplying 22,000 people failed the standard. Local authorities monitored 91% (1,517) of the 1,663 registered SPS at least once during 2024, which is an improvement from 86% in 2023 and 75% in 2022. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) is responsible for water policy and making funding available for improvements to private supplies through the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme (MARWP). The new cycle of the MARWP 2024-2026 was launched in January 2024, with €45 million awarded to group water schemes for improvements to treatment infrastructure in 2024 by DHLGH. A review of the rural water sector commissioned by DHLGH highlighted several key issues including:
The Irish Sun
06-08-2025
- The Irish Sun
Horrifying photos reveal the true dangers of ibuprofen after mum's skin ‘fell off' leaving her fighting for life
Aleshia initially thought she had a simple case of the flu, and doctors agreed, sending her home with painkillers. But within days, the mum-of-three was close to death TERRIFYING ORDEAL Horrifying photos reveal the true dangers of ibuprofen after mum's skin 'fell off' leaving her fighting for life AFTER giving birth to her third child, Jaxon, via C-section, Aleshia Rogers was taking ibuprofen twice a day to dull the pain. But within three weeks of giving birth, her skin slowly started to fall off, and days later, doctors gave the mum-of-three a five per cent chance of survival. Advertisement 15 Aleshia Rogers had a severe reaction to ibuprofen which made her skin 'fall off' in 2020 Credit: Kennedy News 15 The mum was told to take ibuprofen after the birth of her baby boy, Jaxon Credit: Kennedy News 15 Aleshia developed a rash - one of the first signs she was having a rare reaction to ibuprofen Credit: Kennedy News 15 Mum Aleshia pictured in hospital, when she was given a five per cent chance of survival Credit: Kennedy News The mum-of-three welcomed her son into the world in August 2020. Advertisement But the 27-year-old began developing flu-like symptoms, including a high fever, swollen face and rash on her chest. She also had a burning sensation when she swallowed. Despite going to the hospital twice for medical advice, Aleshia was told she had pink eye (conjunctivitis) or scarlet fever and to continue taking ibuprofen to ease her pain and reduce the swelling. But just hours later, her face was engulfed in painful blisters and peeling skin, leaving the mum unrecognisable to loved ones. Harrowing pictures showed Aleshia lying in a hospital bed, her skin completely covered in bleeding sores after what doctors believed was an extreme reaction to painkillers, Ibuprofen. Advertisement Aleshia, who lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, tells Sun Health. 'My eyes started swelling. 'They were bloodshot and burning, and I got a small rash on my chest, so I went to A&E and they told me I had pink eye and sent me home. 'The next day, my whole face was swollen, and both eyes were swollen shut. 'I went back to A&E and they told me I had scarlet fever and to go home.' What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome Hours later, her symptoms had progressed so drastically that her entire face and chest were covered in blisters. Advertisement She returned to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) - a rare and serious disorder where the immune system sparks widespread inflammation in response to medication. She was later told she had Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis - a severe form of SJS - that was likely triggered by taking ibuprofen. Ibuprofen was my go-to med. It's very upsetting and confusing. Once it starts, there's nothing you can do to stop it. Aleshia Rogers Aleshia, a child and education technician, says: 'The doctors said the skin had died and detached. 'They called it sloughing. It fell off in sheets. 'The doctors said 90 to 95 per cent of the skin came off my body. Advertisement 'Since your skin is your biggest organ, this caused me to get sepsis and multi-organ failure.' 'It was touch and go' She was transferred to an intensive care unit for burns and placed in a coma for three weeks. Aleshia underwent a full-body skin excision (removal) and grafting, as well as an amniotic membrane transplant on her eyes. During this time, Aleshia's heartbroken family were told she had a five to 10 per cent chance of survival. Miraculously, she was discharged after a month. Advertisement 15 Aleshia's back when her worrying rash started to develop Credit: Kennedy News 15 Aleshia was told she had pink eye (conjunctivitis) or scarlet fever - and was even told to continue taking the pills Credit: Kennedy News 15 Her condition rapidly progressed until 90 to 95 per cent of her skin fell off her body Credit: Kennedy News 15 Aleisha's black legs, which may be because she had sepsis. This can prevent proper blood flow Credit: Kennedy News 15 The 27-year-old was later diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Credit: Kennedy News Advertisement 15 'My family told me it really was touch or go as to whether I'd make it through,' says Aleisha Credit: Kennedy News 'I had absolutely no idea what had happened to me,' Aleshia says. 'I forgot that I had given birth. I lost a lot of memories. 'My family told me it really was touch-and-go as to whether I'd make it through. 'I've been told so many times that I'm a 'miracle'. Advertisement 'It's always a thought, but I live my life like tomorrow isn't promised and try not to live in fear. 'I don't want people to be afraid of medicines, but I want people to be aware and mindful of what can happen.' What is Stevens-Johnson syndrome? Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare but serious skin reaction, usually caused by taking certain medicines - often epilepsy drugs, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory painkillers. It is named after the two doctors who described it in the early 20th century. It can be life-threatening so it requires immediate hospital treatment. Symptoms usually start with flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, sore throat, cough and joint pain. A rash usually then appears a few days later - spreading from the upper body to the face, arms, legs and genitals. You can also get blisters and sores on your lips, inside your mouth and on your eyes. Hospital treatment usually involves fluids to prevent dehydration, creams and dressings to moisturise the skin, strong painkillers to ease discomfort and medicines to control inflammation and prevent infection. It can take several weeks or months to fully recover. Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is diagnosed when more than 30 per cent of the skin surface is affected and the moist linings of the body (mucous membranes) have extensive damage. SJS and TEN are rare. There is thought to be about one TEN case per one million patients - about 60 every year, according to the University of Liverpool. SJS is more common, with an incidence rate of about one in 10,000. Source: NHS Five years on, Aleshia is still recovering from long-term complications associated with SJS but is determined to raise awareness of this life-altering disorder. She says: 'We believe it was all triggered by taking ibuprofen. 'I took it twice a day for the C-section recovery pain, then continued taking it to ease my pain and swelling [when I developed flu-like symptoms]. Advertisement 'Ibuprofen was my go-to med. I'd basically taken it my whole life since I was 14 to help with period pains. 'They don't know why I had this reaction to it. Doctors don't really have an explanation for it. 'They just said my body decided it didn't like it one day. It's very upsetting and confusing. 'There's no prevention, and once it starts, there's nothing you can do to stop it. 'And there's definitely a chance I can get it again at any time.' Advertisement 15 Aleisha was treated for sepsis and multi organ failure Credit: Kennedy News 15 Aleisha's whole body blistered before her skin peeled off. She is pictured as her wounds heal Credit: Kennedy News 15 The mum's skin was left discoloured following the ordeal Credit: Kennedy News 15 Aleisha even had blisters in her mouth Credit: Kennedy News 15 Five years on, Aleshia is still recovering from long-term complications associated with SJS Credit: Kennedy News
