'Election result won't boost health service'

[Posted: Fri 25/02/2011 by Niall Hunter, Editor www.irishhealth.com]

Most people believe the outcome of the general election will not make any difference to the health service, according to our latest readers' poll.

Fine Gael and Labour are now set to form a coalition Government with a huge majority on March 9.

The next Government is likely to attempt major changes in the structure and delivery of healthcare in Ireland, with both Fine Gael and Labour proposing universal insurance schemes, whereby the 'two-tier' system would be abolished and everyone would be guaranteed equal access to GP and hospital care.

However, during the election campaign, concern was expressed about the possible cost to both the health service and individuals of the State-backed insurance plans.

Fine Gael's proposed health reforms include getting rid of the HSE while Labour would continue with the health executive in a radically altered form.

Fine Gael's Dr James Reilly is likely to take over as Minister for Health in a new coalition government.

We asked our registered readers if they though the election result would make any difference to the health service.

Sixty-three per cent said no, 27% said yes and 10% were unsure. Over 620 people voted in the poll.

View the poll results and comments, as well as results of previous polls, here

anony  Posted: 27/02/2011 13:11

It will be no change in that the policy to be implemented by the new Government will create its own problems and we will continue with crisis management. We need to hope that the new Universal Health Insurance as proposed by FG will be scrapped as it will be pure disaster - look at the Dutch system at the moment - 58% say it has deteriorated seriously since the introduction of that system there in 2006. Getting rid of personnel in the HSE will cause major problems with unions etc, and that will not help the Health Service as it is the Department and the senior Civil Servants who need the attention. They are too powerful with no accountability and they drive the system, Policy is influenced too strongly by vested interests who will gain financially from the service. Lastly me thinks the arrogance we despised in the FF TDs seems to have been passed on to the incoming power holders. They would do well to remember what the voters have done to arrogant people.

To join the discussion, register by clicking here