IHCA critical of capital spending cut

Hospital consultants have criticised the 2005 Estimates, accusing the Government of cutting funding for capital projects in hospitals.

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association assistant general secretary Donal Duffy said the Health Estimate for 2005 shows a reduction of nearly €40m in the capital allocation for building, equipping and furnishing hospitals and other health facilities – down from €441m. To €402m.