Ministers blamed for specialist’s resignation

FINE Gael Deputy Bernard Allen yesterday put the blame for the resignation of a Cork oncologist firmly at the door of the Department of Health.

Dr Oscar Breathnach resigned because of the department's failure to provide the resources for a dedicated oncology ward in the Cork/Kerry region and the shortage of consultants.

Mr Allen said the news of Dr Breathnach's resignation was greeted with disbelief by the people of Cork and Kerry. Dr Breathnach has been warning the health board and hospital management for the past four years that this dedicated oncology ward was needed to provide an efficient and effective service, Mr Allen added.