Ombudsman proposed with system to review health care

FIANNA Fail would establish an office of health ombudsman to investigate medical complaints.

FIANNA Fail would establish an office of health ombudsman to investigate medical complaints.

The party says it would also create a system of audits of health service standards so that "there can be no repeat of the hepatitis C scandal where a State agency breached its own guidelines without detection".

The manifesto said that people now wanted an identifiable office established where they could take complaints about medical treatment they or their family had received. At present, the ombudsman could deal only with administrative matters relating to health boards.

All health agencies and hospitals would be required to secure the quality assurance mark and clinical audits' to provide a systematic review of the way health care is delivered in this country.

READ MORE

The party would set up an independent VHI users' group to give the consumer a greater input as well as producing a White Paper on health insurance to look at the options for the State.

Accident and emergency departments would be streamlined, especially in Dublin, where a major crisis develops each winter, according to Fianna Fail.

The guidelines issued by health boards for eligibility for medical cards would be reviewed. Family planning services "will be made available to all who need them".

Hospital waiting lists are a priority. "Our aim will be to eliminate waiting lists of over 12 months in orthopaedic surgery, opthalmology, ear, nose and throat, cardiac surgery, vascular surgery and plastic surgery."