The Health Minister has been accused of “breathtaking cowardice”, for his comments on overcrowding at the region’s main hospital.
In a letter to The Irish Times, Consultants at University Hospital Limerick say Minister Simon Harris and his cabinet colleagues are trying to deflect responsibility for the trolley crisis onto doctors.
Speaking at last week’s Oireachtas Health Committee, Minister Harris said the level of private work at UHL is above average and he accused “most” consultants of not getting into their cars and travelling to smaller hospitals in the region.
But the following day, he backtracked somewhat, insisting he has every confidence in doctors, although he again questioned some work practices.
His remarks have led to anger among consultants in Dooradoyle, and that’s evident in a letter published in today’s Irish Times.
Seven medics have signed a letter in which they say clinicians have been “attacked” by government, and accuse Minister Harris “breathtaking” cowardice and of looking to deflect blame in relation to overcrowding in Limerick.
They say the failure to follow through on promises made during reconfiguration over the past decade has led to the worsening conditions in Dooradoyle, and that they’ll continue to strive for the best care for patients.
The letter finishes by saying the public should know “where the blame for this fiasco truly lies.”
