Home Helps want to play their part in solving the hospital overcrowding crisis by being allowed work more hours caring for vulnerable clients.
Protesting outside the Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, on Thursday (15th January), Frances Whelan, a Home Help and SIPTU activist, said: "People are stuck on trolleys and we know we can help. There are many people in hospital beds who with the correct support can return home and be cared for by the Home Help service.
"However, cutbacks in our service mean that for increasing numbers this is not a viable option. We want to get the message to the public that Home Helps are here in the local community and we are ready, willing and able to work".
On 15th January, Home Help ‘Right to Work’ protests took place outside Connolly Hospital, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, and the Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar, Westmeath.
SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, also highlighted the issue at a protest outside Leinster House on Wednesday, 14th January.
“The crisis in our hospitals is integrally linked to the running down of health services within our communities. Nearly three million hours have been cut from Home Help services since 2008, with cutbacks only coming to a halt after a concerted campaign by our union,” he said.
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