A WOMAN in her 40s with acute rheumatoid arthritis was given an appointment to see a specialist, but she will have to wait more than two-and-a-half years to see her consultant.

FAMILY doctors have called on Health Minister Mary Harney to halt centralisation of acute hospital services until safe and accessible alternatives are in place.

The death yesterday of Ian McDonnell, 59, raises further serious questions about the state of our health service.