FF accuses Reilly of putting patients' lives at risk

Fianna Fáil is accusing the Minister for Health James Reilly of placing the lives of patients at risk, as the HSE prepares for a wave of retirements.

Thousands of staff are due to leave the health service next month to avail of the public sector retirement deal.

Yesterday, Dr Reilly admitted that some elective surgery procedures would have to be postponed due to the wave of retirements.

Fianna Fáil Health Spokesperson Billy Kelleher has said he is concerned about the effects this will have on patient care.