Diagnosis for health service ills is to be patient

DESPITE ongoing industrial disputes, bed shortages, ward closures and growing waiting lists, the Government's progress report published yesterday, insisted progress in health was being made.

However, much of this progress in tackling the health crisis remains uncertain as the Department of Health has yet to publish numerous expert reports detailing strategies.

The Fianna Fáil/Progressive Democrat Programme for Government, published during last year's election campaign promised to implement the National Health Strategy in full.