Politics

Sinn Féin says it can reduce hospital waiting lists

Party unveils health policy and pledges increased health spending if elected

A new system for managing waiting lists will be backed by a €100m fund, says Sinn Féin. Photograph: Lynne Cameron/PA Wire Hospital nurse is facing allegations relating to the possession of crystal meth, and of ordering Sudafed using the names of various colleagues. Stock image: PA
A new system for managing waiting lists will be backed by a €100m fund, says Sinn Féin. Photograph: Lynne Cameron/PA Wire Hospital nurse is facing allegations relating to the possession of crystal meth, and of ordering Sudafed using the names of various colleagues. Stock image: PA
Sarah Bardon
Tue Dec 15 2015 - 11:37

Patients will be transferred from hospitals which fail to manage waiting lists to those with better records, under Sinn Féin’s health policy which will be announced today.

The party pledges to increase health spending by nearly a quarter during the lifetime of the next Dáil, if it is in power. Based on a Portuguese model, the new waiting list management system – called “Comhliosta” – will be backed by a €100 million fund, the party says. Medical cards will be awarded on need. A family’s income will not be tested if the medical need of the patient is sufficient.

Other plans are a 20 per cent tax on sugary drinks, and free half-yearly dental visits which include scale and polish, fillings and gum cleaning.