Is hospital fiasco a sign of things to come?

STEVE McGARRY from Bishopstown outlined the loss to Cork and other Irish citizens by the failure of Jimmy Tolan, the CEO of the VHI, refusing the Cork Medical Centre insurance cover despite its cutting-edge technology for stroke and heart treatment in particular.

When Dr James Reilly, the newly elected Minister for Health, stated that he cannot dictate to the VHI to cover the City Gate Hospital, do we as a country continue to live in this totally unacceptable situation where decisions are made against the country’s interests? Taoiseach Enda Kenny in his election manifesto promised job creation as a priority for growth and economic recovery. Seventy-five jobs are now being lost in City Gate and the promise of a further 450 jobs is about to be lost as well. Can our newly elected-government, swept to power by the electorate eager for change, deliver or is the Cork Medical Centre is an early indication of what we can expect?

Michael O’Connell