Residents missing appointments due to post delays, Councillors claim

At a recent meeting of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC), Sinn Féin councillor Sheamus Greene said that many residents have only been receiving post once a week,  causing them to miss out on important correspondence.

“I want to raise the issue of Royal Mail and the delivery of letters, and at the moment there is a policy that letters are just delivered once a week,” said Councillor Greene.

“We have people being handed a handful, a fistful, of letters that have been prioritised by Royal Mail. Numerous people have missed hospital appointments and benefit appointments because of letters arriving days after the appointment should have been.

“This is a really serious issue, and the Health Service doesn’t need people missing appointments because of letters not arriving on time.”

Councillor Greene added: “I propose that we ask Royal Mail to come in and explain what is happening, and I will take guidance from the Chief Executive on whether there are any government departments that would be able to hold Royal Mail directly accountable.”

Chief Executive, Alison McCullagh, said that representatives could be made to Ofcom.

Councillor Greene’s proposal was seconded by Sinn Féin councillor, Debbie Coyle.

“There are people missing appointments, and cancellations are coming in the post after people have gone to appointments when the consultant isn’t there,” said Councillor Coyle. “I know a few patients who have travelled to Derry not knowing that a cancellation was sent out in the post.

“As someone who helps people with benefits, I find that we are getting forms quite late with only two days left to complete them, and with no guarantee that they will get back in time.

“This is worrying for people who are already in a vulnerable position.”

UUP Councillor, Victor Warrington, claimed that Royal Mail is prioritising parcels over letters.

“I am quite familiar with this problem, and there certainly is a problem,” he said. “I spoke to the (Royal Mail) manager in Armagh a year ago, and he told me that he was prioritising parcels over letters.

“This has led to numerous problems in our area where individuals have missed out on hospital appointments.”