'Outrageous' - Tory Island will be without a nurse next week

Donegal Deputy and Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty, has called the news that Tory Island will be without a nurse for the next week very concerning.

The Sinn Féin TD was speaking after the HSE confirmed the news earlier today. Teachta Doherty said: “Tory Island going without a nurse for an entire week cannot be allowed to happen. It is absolutely essential for there to be nursing cover on the island at all times.

"It's outrageous that the HSE seem to think this is acceptable. They have confirmed today that the nursing service on Tory Island will be unavailable from lunchtime today until Thursday next, October 31st.

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"It is so frustrating that residents of Ireland's most remote island find themselves in this position again. This is a situation that occurs far too often. It's an issue that I raise repeatedly when it happens and the HSE know how important it is to those living on Tory that this does not happen.

"It is not acceptable that we are telling people that they won’t be able to pick up prescriptions until Thursday and to travel to the mainland for health care. I have again contacted the Minister for Health and the HSE to see if we can rectify the situation. I have also demanded once again that provisions are put in place to stop this situation ever happening again."