Health policy of lunacy, says Kenny

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen has been accused of presiding over a “policy of lunacy” as the state’s largest hospital for sick children resorted to closing wards to save money.

Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Dublin, said its “break even” plan includes the closure of wards, theatres and a 15% reduction in out-patients appointments, and was aimed at reducing a €9.6 million deficit.

During leaders questions in the Dáil yesterday, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny accused Mr Cowen of presiding over a policy where at the first sign of trouble in any hospital, the answer was always to close wards and not treat patients.