Health cutbacks are killing hope of reform

THE health and social care systems right now are in crisis, despite the fact there are clear plans available that can make a huge difference.

The necessity to keep people from being admitted to A&E, hospitals, nursing homes and residential care is a matter of extreme necessity. Austerity cannot be used as an excuse to deny the implementation of sweeping changes in the health and social care system for which clear blueprints exist.

As of Jul 1 2013, on the back of a 96% rise in hospital waiting lists, the total number reached 48,279, with 3,062 waiting between nine and 12 months and 653 more than a year.