We’re pleased to announce the launch of our first campaign: Better Access to Breast Health Care. With diagnostic services in hospitals being suspended and discussions of four month waiting lists for breast ultrasounds in the Oireachtas, it’s time to let our politicians know that we, as women voters, demand better access to breast health care, now.

Find out how you can act now to help improve access to basic breast care services for women across Ireland. It doesn’t take very long to sign our petition, download a letter or send a postcard, so you can make a difference less than 10 minutes!

We have until the 6th of March (the day our petition will be delivered to Mary Harney, Minister for Health) to get Ireland’s women voter mobilised. So take part and help us spread the word to reach more women. You can make a difference!

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On the 24th of October, Alison* reports to her GP’s surgery having discovered a lump in her breast, which is also leaking blood. She is referred to Portlaoise Hospital hospital for a breast ultrasound, only to discover they no longer do them. Referred on again, she is told the wait at Mullingar Hospital is four to six weeks.

On the 12th of December, after lobbying her local representatives for assistance with waiting times, Alison learns services have been withdrawn from Mullingar as well when she receives an email from her local TD, Charlie Flannagan (FG), stating:

I have been making enquiries about breast ultrasound in Midlands. It appears that there is now no service. I have personally written to Mary Harney expressing my concern and requesting urgent action.

Alison is referred on again, this time to Dublin. On the 18th of December, Deputy Charles Flannagan raises the issue in the Dail, asking Mary Harney:

…if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Laois, when referred from Portlaoise Hospital to Dublin for an urgent ultrasound, was told that they would have to wait up to four months before they could be seen.

On the 19th of December, following a radio interview, a blog storm, and pressure from a TD, an appointment magically appears.

On the 21st of December, Alison drives two hours to Dublin to see a consultant, who does a repeat manual exam and refers her for the same ultrasound she was referred for in October,  stating it will be several months until she can have an appointment.

*Alison’s name has been changed to protect her privacy. You can find out more about her here.