Galway Advertiser 2008/GA_2008_01_24/GA_2401_E1_012.pdf 

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12 N E W S

www.galwayadvertiser.ie

January 24 2008

Cllr slams `inhuman' treatment of women awaiting breast surgery
BY MARY O'CONNOR Speaking at a meeting of the Regional Health Forum West at Merlin Park Hospital on Tuesday A city councillor has called for an end to what she terms an "inhuman" and "unacceptable" practice whereby women awaiting breast surgery at University Hospital Galway have to repeatedly call the facility's admissions department to find out if a bed is available for them. Cllr Catherine Connolly said such a case was brought to her attention and despite the fact that the woman in question was fasting she was informed a bed was not available. she asked that this "unacceptable" practice be reviewed as a matter of urgency. She also requested that the forum receive a comprehensive report on how many patients are left in this "appalling" position. She said these women were being put "on hold" which was "inhuman". "Women going in for breast surgery are being put on hold. They do not know if they are getting a bed. They are asked to fast and then to check [if a bed is available]. This is an inhuman practice. I want it stopped, reviewed and changed."

Cllr Catherine Connolly

More than 1,200 students and 42 PhD students were conferred this week during the University of Limerick Winter Conferring ceremonies. Graduating on Tuesday was Christina Kilheely, from Creggs, Glenamaddy, Co Galway who was conferred with a certificate in health fitness. Christina is pictured following the ceremony with her daughter Julianne. Picture: Liam Burke/Press 22

`Walk on by', judge advises car phone thief
As the song says, "Walk on by", and that's the advice Judge Mary Fahy gave to a Ballybane teenager this week who appeared before her charged with stealing a mobile phone from a parked car. The court was told Patrick Sweeney (19), 34 Gleann Bhan, Ballybane, Galway, could not resist the temptation to steal a mobile phone from a car which was parked outside the Kingfisher Club in Renmore, on March 28 last year. Judge Fahy recalled Sweeney's criminal career when he was a juvenile caught stealing cash from another parked car. She said she remembered giving him community service in lieu of a prison sentence last July for a string of theft charges. Garda Cathal Moloney, the court head, had searched Sweeney when he came across him on March 28 last in Castlepark and he just knew the phone he found on him did not belong to him. Sweeney then admitted to Garda Moloney that he had stolen it from the car earlier that day. Defence solicitor Sean O'Carroll said his client was tempted when he saw the phone in the car as he walked by. "He's often tempted and he should just `walk on by' when passing by cars," Judge Fahy replied. Judge Fahy said she knew Sweeney was currently under the care of the Probation Service and she asked them to get him on to some sort of course to keep him out of trouble before she convicted and fined him 500 for this latest theft offence.

Have your voice heard in Europe and get involved in helping to shape Europe's Social Priorities

MARIAN HARKIN MEP
Invites you to attend a workshop On Social Reality Stocktaking On Saturday 2nd February 2008 from 9.30 am 2.00pm In Menlo Park Hotel, Galway
The European Union faces crucial choices. In 2008, the European Commission will launch its new Social Agenda, articulating the needs and aspirations of European citizens for the coming years. It should map out how you want society to develop. We really need your ideas and your input to enable the European Commission to draw up an agenda capable of meeting the challenges we face together. Europe's social reality examines today's society. What do you feel is the reality in your society? What about the future? What role can the EU play in helping to shape a Social Europe?

Let's Hear from you!
For further information and to book your place please contact my office at 071-9145888/9145890 Email: marian@marianharkin.com Member of ALDE Group in EP