H1N1 (Swine flu) exposes weaknesses in Ireland's Healthcare system

If there is one good thing, if we can even call it that way is that this current H1N1 (Swine flu) scare and possible pandemic exposed the weaknesses of healthcare systems and the shortage of both medical doctors and nurses around the world.   Questions is, what will they do about it?

‘Patients’ lives at risk over cutbacks’

By Seán McCárthaigh
irishexaminer.com

Excerpts:

DOCTORS and nurses have warned patients’ lives are being placed at risk as a result of Government cutbacks including a Health Service Executive embargo on recruiting healthcare staff.

The Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish Nurses’ Organisation said it was unacceptable that medical workers and patients were being placed in "an unsafe care environment" as a result of the moratorium introduced in March on recruitment and promotions.

They also warned there were insufficient facilities and staff within hospitals to deal with any major crisis such as a potential widespread outbreak of swine flu.

"We simply do not have the capacity to deal with these type of emergencies. We are now reaping the results of failing to invest," said IMO vice president Prof Sean Tierney.

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