Lack of safe medical waste disposal for Leitrim care workers highlighted at meeting

Concerns have been raised about healthcare professionals in Leitrim conducting home visits without a proper method for disposing of medical supplies such as used bandages, swabs and gloves.

Cllr Justin Warnock urged Manorhamilton Municipal District to write to Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD and the HSE CEO Bernard Gloster, requesting the provision of clinical waste bins at designated centres for community healthcare workers who care for the sick and elderly in their homes.

He told the meeting that a professional healthcare worker had brought the issue to his attention, highlighting that they currently have to dispose of the medical waste themselves, raising concerns about safety and sanitation.

“If you have a healthcare worker coming to the house and treating wounds, the family needs to have a proper way of disposing of the materials,” he said.

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He proposed that clinical waste bins be made available through district nurses so that material can be properly disposed of.

All members of Manorhamilton Municipal District supported the motion.

Cllr Felim Gurn added that he would raise the issue at the Regional Health Forum.

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