Widower of health system reformist hits out at ‘spin’ and ‘privatisation’

The widower of Susie Long, who died trying to reform Ireland’s two-tier health system, has claimed Health Minister James Reilly’s plan for universal health insurance is the polar opposite of what she wanted.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner after the White Paper document was launched, Conor Mac Liam said despite the Government “spin”, the proposal is effectively “privatising” the system.

Ms Long died on October 12, 2007, after a two-year battle with bowel cancer. Despite seeking help from her GP in 2005, she was told there was a seven-month public waiting list for colonoscopy, and was advised to “skip the queue” by paying for private care.