Health Bill published amid mounting setbacks

AFTER several last-minute delays, the Government last night finally published the long-awaited health reform Bill which will see the country’s health boards abolished by the beginning of next year.

Under the much-anticipated Bill, a new Health Services Executive (HSE) will take over the management of all health services, with four new regional headquarters to be based in Galway city; Cork city; Kells, Co Meath and Tullamore, Co Offaly.

The headquarters will be responsible for all health services in new areas divided into Western, Southern, Dublin/North-East and Dublin/Mid-Leinster areas.