Bishop of Limerick says Ireland cannot depend on other countries to provide healthcare

Hospital chairman sounds cautionary note about Cross Border Directive procedures as St John's Hospital unveils five-year plan 

St John’s Hospital CEO Emer Martin, Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy, and consultant obstetrician- gyneacologist Catherine Casey launching the new plan for St John's Hospital in Limerick. Picture: Arthur Ellis

The healthcare system cannot rely on other countries to solve the hospital waiting list crisis, the bishop of Limerick has said as he launched a €210m plan to expand St John’s Hospital.

It was revealed last week that a new Spanish hospital will treat at least 1,500 Irish patients per year, who are stuck on long public waiting lists here.