‘This policy of blocking basic care is absolutely scandalous, it is wrong’

ANNE Twomey, from Carrigaline in Co Cork, is used to treating patients suffering from cancer, Down Syndrome, serious psychological issues and other health problems at her dental surgery every day.

However, due to controversial HSE cutbacks, the 40-year-old says that for the past eight weeks she has been forced to tell them the care they need is no longer available.

As a result of a HSE circular sent to all dentists in Ireland on April 28, medical card patients cannot receive care unless it is considered an emergency case – a category with no set definition.