Healthcare Your opinion

lorcan122

Hi guys i am doing an opinionated essay on the Irish healthcare system, i would like to know do you like the current healthcare, and do you like the new proposals what Fine Gael and Labour are trying to introduce. Also you thoughts on healthcare in general, what kind of health care would you like to see.

Thanks a million.

spank_inferno

My interactions with the health service are relatively limited thankfully.

We don't have a universal health system in Ireland however our model works better than people give it credit for.
For many day to day functions hospitals can be ponderously slow, however the care provided is good and the cost to the user is moderate in comparison to say America (I cant think of any other 2-tier system country).

Issues arise when the ailments get more serious.
The delays in access to consultants have always been a problem
We are all familiar with how consultants work.
Their own private patients in the morning, then 20 public patients all given the "2:30pm" appointment, each getting 2 mins of the doctors time.
Sucessive governments have not tackled this very strong special interest group.

I look forward to FG implementing their promises on health, though I won't hold my breath.
I have read that the Dutch system they want to emulate is under strain from the increasing cost of healthcare services, I wonder how FGs universal insurance model will accomodate it.

The structure is poor, with a lot of scope available to rationalise regional health authorities. The balance between core medical vs non medical staff should be re-examined.

Overall, we do ok.
I've been happy enough with my experiences with the health service (touch wood)
But I know there is huge room for improvement.
A change in attitudes from bottom to top would go a long way to improving services.

ger vallely

Few years ago I was diagnosed with pre cancerous cell in ovaries. Needed a colcospopy (unsure if that's proper word!). Followed up with yearly smears. Any ways forward on to November past- into G.P with severe pain in right side and change in menstruation. Sent to A&E with letter requesting a scan that day. Told to go home, lay off the fizzy drinks and processed food!!I was raging, demanded to see another doctor. Was then told to go home and would be called in for a scan. My appointment was last Thursday- 6 months later. On the day of the appointment I saw a consultant who told me he was confirming my scan and would get a letter with a date in due course. So, 7 months after first presenting with an ovarian pain I should recieve a scan. Tried talking to the consultant explaining my concerns,I was basically ushered out of the room. That's my personal experience with the health services.