Victory for Wexford Family as HSE Approves Replacement Mattress After Dáil Intervention

The Furlong family in Duncormick have finally received the news they've been desperately waiting for -  their 23-year-old son Josh will soon have the new mattress he so badly needs. Josh, who has severe non-verbal autism and is doubly incontinent has endured months of restless nights on a mattress that has deteriorated to the point of causing him constant discomfort and distress. For months the family’s attempts to replace the mattress were met with one roadblock after another. Despite initial approval from an autism nurse and measurements taken by a specialist, the HSE’s Resource Allocation Group refused to fund the replacement, citing no "clinical need." But after Wexford Labour TD George Lawlor highlighted their case in the Dáil, the situation changed. Deputy Lawlor brought it to the attention of Tánaiste Simon Harris who was visibly moved by the families plight & he promised immediate action to ensure Josh would get the mattress he so urgently needed. Just hours later the family were told Josh’s mattress would be replaced Listen back here to the moment it unfolded: