Doctors Hit Out At Harney And Drumm

The handling of Ireland’s health service is to face a slew of criticism by the country’s largest doctor association.

The Irish Medical Organisation have said the management of the health service by TD Mary Harney and the HSE Chief Executive, Brendan Drumm, is putting budgets first and patients second.

The organisation told of its plans to censure the handling of the health service ahead of its three day annual conference, which begins on Thursday.

IMO President Dr. Paula Gilvarry said: “Members of the IMO will express frustration and despair at the management of the health service which is impacting on the delivery of care for their patients.

“The medical profession has lost confidence and trust in the management of the health service and this, we believe, is now spilling out amongst the public and the people who need the health service.”

Dr Gilvarry added: “Doctors cannot be blamed for inadequate financial planning and any attempt to cut services in an effort to meet arbitrary budgetary targets should not be tolerated by anyone who works in the health service.”

Dr Martin Daly also expressed his belief in the mismanagement of the health service and imposition of hefty cutbacks by the Health Minister and HSE Chief.

He said: “The IMO’s campaign last September, when the HSE announced cutbacks, clearly demonstrated our strength as an organisation and the commitment of our members to a better health service.

“It seems that the Government and the HSE are more concerned about reaching healthy budgets than they are about the health of the nation. If required, this campaign will recommence and will be stepped up.”

(DW)