Health information - Tail wagging the dog for far too long

TO SUGGEST that the Health Service Executive has an image and credibility problem is as obvious as saying fish need water.

Elements of that organisation plough on, mildly frustrated that it is answerable to us through our public representatives. No doubt the charge of aloofness will be rejected by the many committed, excellent and conscientious people working in that chaotic system but, sadly, the undeniable evidence is there for all to see.

The organisation’s contempt for the notion of transparency is to everyone’s disadvantage, and it has made a public already frustrated with the terribly slow pace of reform angry, resentful and deeply suspicious.