Health
One billion cuts plan for health service
"HEALTH CUTS hurt the old, the sick and the handicapped" was the cynical slogan used by Fianna Fáil in the 1980s to get re-elected. On doing so in 1987 they went on a rampage of devastation in the health service. They are now prepared to do it again this time with the complicit support of the Green Party.
Swine Flu, Harney & capitalism – A dangerous combination
SWINE FLU is here. A million people may become infected, with perhaps 7,000 hospital admissions this autumn and winter. In such circumstances the effects of cutbacks and inadequate bed capacity become clear.
FF & Greens – Destroying our health service
By Michael Murphy
THE DESTRUCTION of our health service by the government continues apace. Having completely failed to establish a proper functioning and accessible health service during the boom years the government are pursuing their agenda of cut backs and service closures across the country.
While there was an increase in health funding during these years the reality is that the cuts of the 1980s have never been undone. The 3,000 beds that were cut then haven’t been replaced and health funding only ever reached 90% of the EU average.
Joe Higgins: “Fine Gael’s new Health Policy a Charter for Privatisation”
Fine Gael recently launched its new Health policy called FairCare. The party claims its proposals ‘represent the most fundamental reform of the health system since the formation of the State.’ The new policy involves a massive surge in privatisation and ‘marketisation’ of health care. It essentially hands the running of our Health Service to private insurance companies.
Home help cuts hurt the vulnerable
By Councillor Mick Barry
CUTBACKS IN the home help service are taking a heavy toll in human misery. Just before Christmas, Eamonn Timmins of Age Action Ireland went public on the story of a 94 year old woman who had been put on a three-year waiting list for home help services.
Dismantling the health service – €1.2 billion cuts only the start
By Councillor Mick Barry
HEALTH MINISTER Mary Harney and the HSE are planning ?1.2 billion worth of cutbacks this year and this is sure to be added to in the emergency budget scheduled for early April.
In recent weeks St. James’ Hospital and Tallaght Hospital have been told that their HSE funding for 2009 is to be slashed by ?12 million each and Beaumont Hospital has been told that its funding has been slashed by ?11 million. The HSE meeting in March is expected to announce proposals for closure of some smaller hospitals.
Harney butchers healthcare in Mid West
By Cian Prendiville
IN A report published in January, plans were announced to effectively close the casualty departments in Ennis, Nenagh and St. John's (Limerick) hospitals, replacing them with nurse-led minor injury units, unable to treat emergencies.
