TDs play politics with health services

POLITICAL point scoring by local politicians is putting unrealistic demands on health boards and stopping them from providing a proper service, according to the head of the Southern Health Board.

Sean Hurley also said there was no point in transforming the health service unless management was made accountable for every euro spent.

In a frank review of the state of the health service, Mr Hurley said political competition between areas has resulted in an inflation of demand which is contrary to all medical advice and drives a ‘coach-and-four’ through proper planning.