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Unions rally for a decent public health service

Date Released: 26 Mar 2008

Saturday, 3.00pm - March 29, 2008, assemble at Gardens of Remembrance, Parnell Square, Dublin.

The Dublin Council of Trade Unions and the ICTU Congress Youth Committee are campaigning for a decent public health service now. According to Des Derwin, President of the DCTU, the decline in our health services can be directly attributed to the drive towards privatisation.  "The only way we can safeguard the interests of patients and staff is by defending and improving the public health services," he said.

SIPTU's National Nursing Official, Louise O'Reilly said the state of our public health services is abysmal. "Women outside Dublin have to travel miles to access radiation and chemotherapy treatment; young people with cystic fibrosis face a bleak future because of lack of resources; elderly people are frightened they will be placed in below-standard nursing care homes and people with disabilities cannot access the services they need.  If we want to stop the decline of our public health services we must let this Government see how we feel.

"In announcing details of Budget 2008, the Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD said health funding was up 9% to prioritise Services for Older People, People with Disabilities, and Cancer Control Strategy. The Minister said the Budget would provide an additional €344m current and €52m capital for the Health Vote Group (HSE, Office of the Minister for Children, Department of Health and Children). Where is all this money going? Has anyone actually seen any improvement in our health services?

"Enough is enough.  We are calling on all trade unionists, health professionals, patients groups, health workers, and anyone with an interest in our public health system to join with the trade unions on March 29 and show support for their demand for a decent public health service now," she concluded.





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