Heart Beat: I wondered when we would get back to blaming consultants for the lamentable state of the health service. It didn't take very long.
Minister Brian Cowen had a go after the Fianna Fáil love-in in Cavan. Consultants were not co-operating and refusing to join in meaningful dialogue, etc.
No wonder things are bad. The real reason for such lack of co-operation, as the Minister well knows, is the vexed problem of medical indemnity.
At least 40 consultants in this litigious State have had their indemnity withdrawn by the Medical Defence Union, and consequently face the possibility of losing everything. As the Minister can appreciate, their colleagues will not abandon them.
In fairness to the MDU, which I feel has not behaved very well in this matter, it should be pointed out that while only 5 per cent of its overall membership is Irish, awards in Irish courts account for 30 per cent of its claims expenditure.
Our litigation levels are unmatched among our European partners and indeed many US states. I would suggest that as the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) appears to be working satisfactorily that something similar might be introduced into the acknowledged problem area of medical litigation.
As I write, a bandwagon of patients affected by MRSA is being wheeled into position for an assault on the hospitals, doctors, nurses, etc. By extension, of course, this means the rest of us as taxpayers. I would appeal even at this late stage for sanity and reason to prevail.
There is one inescapable fact. I noted in my last article that MRSA infection was occurring outside the hospital setting, in prisons, schools, sports clubs and similar settings. These findings from the US are now being replicated here. Our problem is that such infection is endemic in our community.
Up to 40 per cent of the population carry the bacterium and they carry it with them wherever they go. This includes into hospitals. Patients bring it in, and visitors bring it in. Doctors, nurses, paramedics and other hospital staff may temporarily harbour it, but at least they are regularly screened.
This problem won't go away any time soon and in view of the prevalence of the organism in the community at large, there will be no lightning fix. Mere containment is difficult and is going to require serious investment. It, sadly, is probably the best that can be hoped for. Let common sense prevail and let us not divert much-needed money into senseless and unprovable litigation.
I am sure that the Ministers for Health and indeed Finance would be far more excited by exploring what may be a genuine black hole in the health service, rather than in abusing the tired old consultants yet again.
When I first read this story I quickly looked at the date of publication to make sure I was dealing with an April 1st gem. Apparently I was not, but I am still left with an uneasy feeling that someone, somewhere is having us on. They must be, because this story leaves Hans Andersen, the brothers Grimm and the Arabian Nights among the also-rans.
Once upon a time it was decided to provide in the health service, a magic computer programme that would cover things like personnel, payroll and related services.
It was known strangely enough as PPARS and would work its spells on the 100,000 or so bodies in the system.
It was considered "a central component in the effort to redefine the Irish health as a single unified entity".
Goodness gracious, are these prophets treading the same earth as the rest of us? What single unified entity, indeed what health service are they fantasising about? I have no objection to their dreams as long as they don't cost the rest of us money, but sadly read on. This aspiration was expected to cost, in the beginning, €8.8 million and to take three years to complete from the start date of 1998.
Did it work, you ask me with bated breath? Well, not exactly. Currently the Comptroller and Auditor General is having a look at it, as the estimated expenditure has now climbed to €231 million and the summit is not even in view. Sources in the information technology industry feel that the ultimate costs may rise to €500 million and that even then the system may not have the capability to do what was originally envisaged. Because apparently the new toy, PPARs, does not work. It is even rumoured, though doubtless a canard, that it even issued a €1 million pay cheque to an employee. Presumably it was acting under the delusion that it was the Lotto.
I have a suggestion however. We should get a few toddlers from senior infants, give them an abacus apiece and let them do the totting. They won't do any worse, and they won't cost as much either.
What could this kind of money do in the hospitals, in primary care, in schools and universities? Please let somebody tell me that this is a joke and that I fell for it, hook, line and sinker. If it is not a joke, then somebody is responsible for this debacle. Guess who won't be?
Maurice Neligan is a cardiac surgeon.