Ahern admits that health system failed Susie Long

THE health system failed a cancer patient who won massive public sympathy by speaking about her seven-month wait for treatment to RTÉ Radio’s Joe Duffy talk show, the Taoiseach last night told the Dáil.

Kilkenny woman Susie Long, who died aged 40 on Friday, contacted the Liveline show in January using the name “Rosie”.

She said she had been diagnosed with bowel cancer but had difficulties in accessing proper treatment as a public patient.