HSE planning controversial new hospital network reforms

The Health Service Executive is reportedly planning to group Ireland's public hospitals into four regional networks.

Reports this morning said the move was due to be finalised at a meeting of the HSE board tomorrow and was also likely to prove just as controversial as the proposed Hanly reforms.

Just months ago, the HSE agreed a completely different plan that envisaged 10 hospital networks throughout the country.

The new plan is reportedly designed to make management structures more responsive to the needs of patients, but sources are already predicting a frosty response.

This is because of concerns that some facilities like Limerick Regional Hospitals could become subservient to Galway University College Hospital and would effectively be downgraded.