Reform of system is needed

NOBODY can be in any doubt about the scale of the crisis currently facing Ireland’s health service.

Demand for hospital beds is escalating across the country while vital services face cutbacks because of lack of funding.

With public anger mounting, and understandably so, over the coalition’s decision to buy a new Government jet, albeit a facility which is needed, the timing of the announcement could hardly be worse. With intense debate raging over the condition of hospitals, there is now a danger the crucial health issue will become bogged down in a slanging match between politicians and the country’s doctors.