Cullinane promises to change 'deeply unfair, two-tiered' health service in RTÉ debate
Waterford TD and Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Health David Cullinane appeared on RTÉ's political talk show Prime Time alongside other major party spokespeople. Image: RTÉ
"I have produced the most comprehensive health plan ever produced by a political party," said Deputy David Cullinane, adding that Sinn Féin is "serious about transforming the health service from a deeply unfair, two-tiered system into a world-class public health service that people can be proud of."
Waterford TD and Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Health David Cullinane appeared on RTÉ's political talk show Prime Time alongside current Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly of Fine Gael, and Duncan Smith TD of the Labour Party.
Deputy Cullinane emphasized his commitment to adopting a "zero-tolerance approach to hospital trolleys".
"I don't accept one person on a trolley in any hospital is acceptable. We have hospital managers saying that a person is sick enough to be admitted to a hospital but the beds are not there.
"The zero tolerance approach means that as a Health Minister, you won't accept patients on trolleys - you won't get to zero in one day or one week but I would hope after five years of a Sinn Féin-led government we would get to that point," he said, emphasising the importance of community health and out-of-hospital care. Deputy Cullinane said he would not be "limited in my ambition by the failure of Stephen Donnelly".
Minister Donnelly characterised the Waterford TD's health plan as a continuation of the existing government's health agenda.
"One thing that I agree with is that the answer to trolleys does not lie in emergency departments; it belongs upstream in hospitals and in community services."
Minister Donnelly said it would be "dishonest to say to the Irish people that [zero trolleys] can be guaranteed".
