Martin’s health plan fighting for its life

MICHEÁL MARTIN’S newest health reform plan was fighting for its life last night after doctors and opposition parties declared major elements of it unrealistic and unworkable.

The Hanly report, released by the Minister for Health yesterday, calls for a radical restructuring of hospital services and doctors’ working arrangements inside 10 months, with further major changes to follow over the next decade.

Hospital consultants, who will be among the professionals most affected, said many of the changes were welcome but impossible to implement within the timeframe.