The former Head of the National Association of GPs offers his solutions for a more streamlined system
With less than three weeks remaining until the General Election takes place, Today FM's Dermot and Dave want to help the people of Ireland cut through the bull and #GetTheFactsStraight ahead of voting.
#DermotAndDave are looking to cut through the #GE2020 noise to #GetTheFactsStraight - starting today from 9am
Talking to experts on the subjects that matter to YOU! Got a question? @ us! @DermotTodayFM @DaveTodayFM pic.twitter.com/otx7zMEZvF
— Today FM (@TodayFM) January 21, 2020
First up for this no nonsense segment is GP Matt O'Toole, former Head of the National Association of General Practitioners in Ireland.
When asked "Why is the Health Service is so bad?", his response is swift; "the fundamental problem is it's all short-term thinking".
He continues to marvel at the fact that despite Ireland spending "€17bn a year on the Health Service - one of the highest levels per capita in the OECD", the reality is that:
- "we're short 2,500 beds"
- "we've half a million people on waiting lists"
- "we actually train more doctors per head of capita than any other country in the OECD but we have 500 vacant posts for consultants and we have hundreds of vacant posts for nurse"
Matt states that "we don't need to reinvent the wheel...we just need to replicate what other [successful] countries are doing". It's a no-brainer in his eyes.
The knowledgeable GP then explains what 'Sláinte Care' is about and reveals how some procedures actually cost doctors money to perform.
#GetTheFactsStraight is definitely a useful tool to help guide you on February 8th, so stay tune to Dermot and Dave to hear who next week's expert will be.
Catch Dr O'Toole's chat in full by pressing the play button on screen.
