Stark healthcare inequalities highlighted by new report

By Geraldine Fitzgerald

Pressure on the healthcare system has been further highlighted by the demands of the Covid-19 pandemic. Independent think-tank Social Justice Ireland just launched a policy briefing on ‘Healthcare in Ireland’, detailing shortfalls and outlining policy priorities to be considered.

“People should be assured of the treatment and care they need in their times of illness or vulnerability. However, the pandemic has shown that Ireland’s healthcare system fails to deliver that treatment and care on the scale required,” said Colette Bennett, Economic and Social Analyst with Social Justice Ireland.

Ms Bennett added that “while our health system, and its workers, have been placed under tremendous pressure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, since March 2020 one of the most obvious concerns about the Irish healthcare system is to do with access. Ireland’s complex two-tier healthcare system means that private patients have speedier access to both diagnostics and treatment, while those in the public system can spend lengthy periods waiting for a first appointment with a specialist and for treatment.”

Main findings of report:

· Ireland remains the only western European country without universal coverage for primary care.

· Covid-19 has exacerbated many issues. According to data from the National Treatment Purchase Fund, there were 178,064 people waiting for 18 months or more for outpatient’s treatment in March 2021.

· Ireland’s health system ranked 22nd out of 35 countries in 2018, but on the issue of accessibility, Ireland ranked worst.

· According to the latest data, 2,112 children and young people were awaiting supports from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. Of these, one in ten were waiting for treatment for 12 months or more.

· Before the onset of Covid-19, the Irish public hospital system was already operating under pressure from high population growth and ageing, and because of system cuts to bed capacity.

Policy priorities for consideration suggested by Social Justice Ireland:

· Ensure that announced budgetary allocations are valid, realistic and transparent and that they take existing commitments into account.

· Complete the roll-out of the community health networks across the country and thus increase the availability and quality of primary care and social care services.

· Ensure medical card-coverage for all people who are vulnerable.

· Act effectively to end the current hospital waiting list

· Create a statutory entitlement to home care services.

· Properly resource and develop mental health services and facilitate campaigns giving greater attention to the issue of suicide.

· Work towards full universal healthcare for all.

“Ireland must decide what services are required, how these should be funded and prioritized,” said Dr Seán Healy, CEO, Social Justice Ireland.

“Obtaining value for money is essential, but efficiencies must be delivered without compromising the quality of the service and without disproportionately disadvantaging poorer people. Reform will require investment before savings can be made.”