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Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy welcomes Winter Plan funding for vulnerable groups
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Frank Feighan TD has today welcomed additional funding of €5.5 million to enhance health services for people who are homeless and in addiction as part of the HSE Winter Plan.
Minister Feighan said:
COVID-19 has highlighted the vulnerability of people who are homelessness and in addiction. They are a group with complex health needs. The HSE Winter Plan will continue the protective public health measures that were developed during COVID-19 for the medically vulnerable homeless population. It also will expand GP services for people who living in emergency accommodation in Dublin and regional centres. A third priority is to provide continuity of care for people who are homeless who may require emergency hospital treatment during the winter months.
Reforming models of care and promoting the use of community services and paramedic led services, including addiction services and those for people who are homeless, fit directly with the vision of Sláintecare and are an important part of the Winter Plan.
Minister Feighan concluded:
The Winter Plan is a first step in delivering on the commitment in the Programme for Government to increase HSE funding for targeted interventions for people who are homeless and in addiction.