Republic 15th out of 31 European healthcare systems

IRELAND’S healthcare system has improved slightly over the past year, despite our cancer patients facing the longest wait in Europe for treatment.

The country ranked 15th out of 31 countries surveyed by Health Consumer Powerhouse, a company that provides consumer information on healthcare. The main improvement was in outcomes for patients.

Waiting lists are a big factor and according to the author of the Euro Health Consumer Index 2008, Dr Arne Bjornberg, this is costing huge amounts of money and damaging people’s health.

Ireland is the 11th highest spender on health per person but comes 24th out of the 31 surveyed when it comes to getting value for money, said Dr Bjornberg.

“Many people think keeping people on a waiting list rather than treating them saves money but in fact the research shows it costs far more as these people turn up more often in doctors surgeries and in hospitals looking for tests and medical attention and are being paid sickness benefit instead of being at work,” he said.

Johan Hjertqvist, who analysed the Irish figures, said waiting times had improved but still had a long way to go.

Cancer patients in Ireland and Latvia wait more than 21 days for treatment, whereas waiting times in other states are far less.

One way to reduce waiting is to allow patients to go directly to a specialist rather than having to be referred by a general practitioner first, Dr Bjornberg said. “Waiting lists do not happen in countries that have free access to specialists — and this does not create waiting times for specialists either.”

More staff or more money was not the answer to eliminating waiting lists, rather it required better management and a change of attitude, Dr Bjornberg added. When he worked for a Swedish hospital some years ago, they became more efficient with less personnel. Management was reduced by 30% and medical staff by 15%. “Having shed 1,000 staff, we were waiting list-free.”

Other recommendations include implementing a rights law allowing patients automatic access to their records, no-fault malpractice insurance, the right to a second opinion and cross-border care information.

The Netherlands came out best in the survey, but Denmark was the best for patient rights and information and e-health; Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland scored for shortest waiting times; Sweden had the best results/outcome; Netherlands had the best range and reach of services; and Austria is best for pharmaceuticals.

* Visit www.healthpowerhouse.com