Cancer patient’s medical card bid left unanswered

When Anne Sweeney from Bruff, Co Limerick, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February, her nurse told her she’d be entitled to a medical card.

Eight months later, having had a double mastectomy, and undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the 56-year- old is still waiting for a response from the HSE to her application.

“They never actually refused me,” she said. “They never actually came back and said I wasn’t approved. At least if they gave me a reason, I could appeal it.”

All this time, Anne has been following it up with them, not the other way around. The first time she asked about her application, they told her they needed financial records, including bank account and mortgage details, which she supplied.

Then, when she still didn’t hear, she got in touch and was told they would need consultant reports, which she supplied.

After further delays, they needed a letter from her GP. That was supplied.

Anne’s husband, who is retired, has been driving her every week to Cork, where she receives chemotherapy in the morning, and back to Limerick for radiotherapy in the evening. She goes to her local GP to get blood samples which are needed in advance of her treatment in Cork. “I sometimes put it off for the simple reason that it costs €45,” she said.

An occupational therapist said Anne needed a shower rail, a raised toilet seat, and a rail to help her get out of bed. “Some mornings, I’m very stiff and find it hard to get up,” she said. “Without the medical card, I can’t get these appliances, I can’t even pay for them myself.”

Anne had to give up work when illness struck. She has a pension of €300 a month and relies on her husband’s pension. “We don’t have a penny left at the end of the week. I’m not one for abusing the system. All I want is what I’m entitled to. And I need it now, I can’t wait for a decision months down the line.”

Anne worked as a clerical officer in the HSE. But she still does not understand the organisation’s behaviour: “I just want the answer to why I’m not getting it. What is the reason for being shunted the whole time?”