FF Publish New Health Policy Document

Fianna Fáil has published its health policy document, which it claims puts "patients at the heart of the health service".

Announced by the party's spokesperson on health Billy Kelleher, the policy document, Putting Patients and Services First, commits to a publicly delivered health care service that emphasises patients above structures.

"We strongly believe the State must be actively involved in providing health care to our citizens. It is not good enough to shift the focus from the direct provision of quality care to simply regulating and overseeing healthcare providers and purchasers," Deputy Kelleher said.

"Fianna Fáil’s proposals centre on a fundamental shift towards primary and community care and away from the overburdened acute hospital sector. Under our plans, healthcare will be closer to communities with more expert assessment and treatment of chronic illness in local settings. We plan to expand free GP care, ensuring that those who need it most and cannot afford it are given first priority.

Deputy Kelleher has pledged the retention of the HSE as the basis of a national health service, but has emphasised that this is not an endorsement of how the HSE currently conducts itself.

The full policy document is available to read on the party's website.

(MH/CD)