Government ‘toying with lives’ in bed cutbacks

THE Government has been accused of toying with people’s lives following yesterday’s decision by the Mater Hospital to slash patient admissions by 3,200 this year.

Hospital management has blamed the reduction in admissions and the closure of 115 beds on an €18.2m funding deficit.

Labour spokeswoman on health Liz McManus yesterday called on the minister to face up to the crisis gripping hospitals around the country.