Conference to discuss report into health funding

The findings and recommendations of a major report into health sector funding and resource allocation will be discussed at a conference in Dublin today.

The study - published in July - found a range of problems including fragmentation, planning system weaknesses and practices which led to healthcare costs being higher than they might be.

The expert group made 34 recommendations to improve the health care system.

Today's conference is taking place in the wake of a warning from the Health Minister Mary Harney that spending in the sector will be cut in December's budget by at least €600m.

Last July the expert group tasked with identifying flaws in the funding and allocation of resources - found a litany of problems including practices which lead to healthcare costs being higher than they might be.

The chairperson of the group, ESRI Professor Frances Ruane, said that while a momentum for change exists there are key impediments, such as the power of vested interests in the health sector and the absence of structures to support the delivery of more cost-effective care.

Despite the financial constraints Professor Ruane is urging against wielding the axe just to save money, before considering the reallocation of funds.

Today's conference will be attended by the Minister and the new HSE Chief Executive Cathal Magee.