Health service crisis - New regime must make a difference

OPTIMISTICALLY, the incoming head of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) will deliver on her promise which is that the organisation will fight for a better health service.

That is not to suggest that it has been tolerant of it up to now, but nobody will disagree with the new president, Co Tipperary-based consultant Christine O’Malley, who has said the health service is in turmoil.

Certainly, the Government cannot refute her statement as the Tánaiste and Health Minister Mary Harney has already declared the situation in A&E units to be a national emergency.