Ahern defends health strategy

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern defended the Hanly report on major reform of the health system yesterday, but said it will take time to implement.

He was highly critical of Opposition deputies, and others who criticised the report, accusing them of spending just 30 minutes studying it.

Mr Ahern denied he was facing a revolt from within Fianna Fáil ranks against the plan, which recommends closing down Accident and Emergency units in the smaller hospitals, and increasing the number of medical consultants.

“It is a bit disappointing that half an hour after the release of the report, people are giving their authorative views on it,” he said.

“I am solidly behind the reforms. There was two years spent working to prepare this agenda. People have to get real and understand it will not take effect overnight, but will take several years,” he said in Brussels, where he was attending a summit of EU leaders.

He acknowledged the changes would be extensive, and said this was necessary to get proper reform into the health services.

Under EU legislation, the working hours of junior doctors have to be cut back from 70 hours a week to 58 from August 1 next. “This will take a lot of resources,” Ahernhe said, but he could not say if Ireland was seeking to delay introducing the new hours.

The reduction is the first stage in introducing a 48 hour week for junior doctors by 2008. This is in contrast to the 33 hour week enjoyed by consultants, which the report recommends reforming, to have them provide a 24 hour service seven days a week.

Former junior minister, Senator Terry Leydon said he will resist the report in every way he can, primarily because he fears it would result in the downgrading of the A and E, and maternity units, in Roscommon County Hospital. The plan will take ten years to implement and the Department of Finance say the money is available.