Ahern backs hospital licensing authority

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday accepted that hospitals should be regulated by a licensing authority as the political debate over the findings of the Lourdes Hospital inquiry continues.

Challenged by Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny to introduce a Patient Safety Authority, Mr Ahern said the Medical Council, the Pharmaceutical Council and An Bord Altranais were responsible for regulating the behaviour and standards of their staff.

However, he raised the possibility of licensing hospitals for the first time ever.