Two members of HSE forum resign in protest

TWO members of the Health Service Executive (HSE) forum in the north-east resigned yesterday in protest at what they say is the lack of “accountability” and “responsibility” by the HSE to the members of the forum.

Both said the controversy of the misdiagnosis of cancers in Louth and Meath was the final straw.

A former chairman of the North Eastern Health Board, Declan Breathnach, who is also a Fianna Fáil councillor, is one of those who has resigned.

“Under the old system (the health board) I would have a telephone call returned within 36 hours now I don’t get any call back. Legislative reform is needed to ensure some form of democracy is brought back into the health service so that the voice of the people is listened to,” he said.

With Cllr Terry Brennan (FG) he announced his resignation at yesterday’s meeting of Louth county council.

Mr Brennan said the need to review the X-rays and CT scans of more than 6,000 people had been the catalyst for him.

“What would happen if this was a private industry where for example 6,000 cookers had to be recalled? What would happen to those involved in their production?” he asked.

Meanwhile, Louth Cllr Tomás Sharkey called for an inquiry into how 4,590 patients received letters warning they may have cancer though they had got the all-clear.

Some letters arrived after the person has died, he added.