Proposals don’t go far enough

THERE is no denying a radical overhaul of the health service is long overdue.

However, it is doubtful that the recommendations before the Cabinet represent a magic wand for the tens of thousands of patients languishing on hospital waiting lists.

Politically, the proposals would dramatically change a system whereby elected representatives treat the health service as a personal fiefdom, often ignoring the advice of medical experts to advance their electoral ambitions.