SF protests against private hospitals on public grounds

09/08/2006 - 13:46:40
Sinn Féin is holding demonstrations outside 11 public hospitals this morning to protest at plans to build private hospitals on the grounds of the facilities.

Sinn Féin says the move is flawed and will not free up as many beds as promised by the Government.

Several medical experts have also been critical of the plan, claiming it will lead to a two-tier health system.

Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald says the Government should be focusing on providing a proper public health system to everybody in the country.

She says the private hospitals plan is a distraction that will use up resources that should be directed towards improving the public system.

Speaking outside St James's Hospital in Dublin this morning, Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said taxpayers should not be providing subsidies for private businessmen seeking to make a profit from healthcare.