Lives lost due to lack of cross-border hospital co-operation, says study

A new study has warned that lives are being lost on both sides of the border because the two health services are failing to co-operate adequately.

The Centre for Cross-Border Studies says there is widespread public support for greater links between the two health services.

It says people do not care whether they are being treated in the North or the Republic and just want the best care available in the shortest possible time.

The centre is recommending an assessment of how hospitals could work together on specialist services such as organ transplants, paediatric cardiac surgery and renal dialysis.

It is also recommending far better co-operation on emergency services.