Hundreds of patients are being denied fast access to vital stroke, multiple sclerosis, bipolar disorder and hepatitis C drugs because the HSE is “rationing” money for new treatments.

HSE chiefs were given the green light to buy a costly new skin cancer drug four months ago, but only made the move last night after a major political storm “concentrated minds”.

THE final decision on whether public patients will be able to access a breast cancer test that could save up to 500 women from having to endure chemotherapy every 12 months is not expected until towards the end of this year.