Audit undermines our attempts to improve hospitals

THE €20,000 fine on hospitals that ‘failed’ the hygiene audit is one of the most ridiculous moves ever made by a minister of health.

Hospitals have been underfunded for 20 years. While funding has now improved, they are struggling desperately to make up for the deficits the past underfunding created.

Bed percentage usage in Europe is approximately 70%. In Ireland it’s up to 120%. This places hospitals under considerably more pressure.