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Dáire Hughes, MP for Newry and Armagh, has welcomed the publication of a new discussion document, ‘The Case for An Irish National Health and Care Service’, stating that an all-Ireland approach is necessary for citizens.
Speaking after the launch, Dáire Hughes MP said; “This is an important contribution to the ongoing debate on our constitutional future. The people of Newry and Armagh, a large border constituency, know the challenges created by divided health care systems better than most.
“The future shape of an all-island health service is for many people a priority. Both health services on the island of Ireland are in crisis. A new Ireland requires a new health and care service that can meet the needs of citizens and is free at the point of delivery.
“Our new document promotes the objective of a world-class healthcare service in a new and united Ireland. It offers a vision of a publicly funded, universal service which can deliver better working conditions for healthcare staff, and greater investment in vital services – including cancer services, mental health care and disability services.
“Citizens and patients will be much better served by a health and care service that is planned, managed and delivered based on the needs of the national population. An all-Ireland health and care service is essential.”
Concluding, Dáire Hughes MP cited a recent, tragic example of the lack of coordination between the existing health systems.
“The launch of this pertinent document comes only weeks after the failings of our partitioned services were exposed in the most tragic way.
“Catherine Sherry tragically passed away last month after being diagnosed with lymphoma last September.
“Despite receiving excellent care in Craigavon and Belfast City Hospitals the specific treatment she required, CAR T-cell therapy, remains unavailable in the north. Catherine was forced to travel to London to receive this treatment which added the extra pressure of air travel and, crucially, her being separated from her three loving sons.
“This treatment is available in Dublin, just an hour away from the Sherry home. It is an abhorrent reflection of our separated health care systems that Catherine wasn’t able to receive this treatment in Dublin, with the constant support of her husband Fergal, and three young sons.
“Having spoken with Fergal it’s clear their determination is that no other family in the north goes through the ordeal of having to travel overseas for treatment that is available on the island of Ireland.
“Just this week, we secured the support of the Good Friday Agreement Committee in Dublin to commence a detailed report into an all-Ireland health and care service, and I will be raising this specific case as a powerful example of why greater cooperation is needed. I will work with my Sinn Féin colleagues, north and south, to advance an all-island health agenda for the benefit of patients, families and workers.”
