A 13-year-old boy, who is an amputee, articulated to a committee from Oireachtas that the prosthetic limb he received from Health Service Executive (HSE) was built keeping budget restrictions in mind, rather than prioritizing comfort or functionality. Éanna Kelly, who lost a segment of his right leg to meningitis when he was just two, initially benefited from a State-funded prosthetic limb. Because of his young age, he naturally needed various replacements as he grew up.
He narrated that despite his necessity, his applications for a medical card, which would help him acquire more prosthetic limbs, were consistently declined. It was only after sustained attempts and a delay that he was granted a medical card, based on his specific medical condition, and that too lasted just a span of two years. He recounted that his parents attempted to reapply, undergoing further means tests, but were once again rejected. Éanna remarked the whole procedure as “exceptionally stress-inducing and taxing”, and was further asked if his condition had altered during renewal applications.
He drew parallels between his experience and children from different countries who participate along with him in the European Amputee Football games. While they are provided with sports-specific prosthetic legs in addition to the ones for daily use, Éanna pointed out the children from Ireland are an exception. He expressed his disappointment and frustration at the way the HSE restricted his opportunities, shaping his school life, home life, and participation in sports, all determined by their budget, thereby robbing him of his choices.
The committee meeting, where Éanna was just one among the 20 plus self-representatives, highlighted the saddening reality of people in Ireland resorting to crowdfunding for financing their prosthetics, and others having to struggle to acquire a medical card. Donna Baker, an amputee from Ireland who spent most of her life in the UK, contrasted the high standards and accessibility of prosthesis and healthcare in the UK’s National Health Service to the inadequate services by HSE.
Acquiring prosthetics for any purpose, sport or pastime used to be straightforward. They were ready to create a prosthetic if it improved your quality of life. I was oblivious to the challenges in obtaining prosthetics and services in Ireland,” she stated.
It’s notable that in Gaza, many children require amputations. We have the ability to heal their physical trauma but are powerless to address their emotional suffering.
Ms Baker sought approval for a violin-playing prosthetic in Ireland, only to be denied. She was informed that the HSE only provides prosthetics for routine daily movement.
“If it isn’t for everyday use, it isn’t considered significant or appreciated. Recreational activities aren’t viewed as essential unless you personally finance the prosthetics,” she expressed.
She added that amputees experience feelings of solitude, confront an unresponsive system, and often feel overlooked when attempting to interact with the HSE.