The resignation of the board of the HSE at the request of the new Minister for Health heralds the first major step towards bringing reform to Ireland’s healthcare system, according to Fine Gael TD Heather Humphreys.

Speaking on the matter Deputy Humphreys said, “I welcome the move by the Minister for Health, Mr James Reilly TD to seek the resignation of the entire board of the HSE. I believe this act signals the intentions of the new Minister to start at the top in changing how our health service works. It is clear for all to see that the doctors and nurses working in our frontline services are not the problem.

“Under the previous government, the HSE was allowed to become a bureaucratic nightmare, with a complete lack of accountability from the HSE to the Minister for Health.

“This lack of accountability permeated the system from the top of the executive down, leading to fiascos such as PPARS, overcrowding of A&E units and the absence of responsibility for the charging of elderly people in nursing homes. Millions of taxpayer’s money has been wasted with nobody taking any responsibility. The new Minister has recently stated that the buck will stop with him in relation to our health service and I commend him for having the courage of his convictions to take this stance.

“The health service in this country has been in disarray for years now with no direction coming from government level to change how the system operates. Given the current economic climate, it is now more vital than ever that we achieve value for money with regards to patient care. While I recognise the fact that all of the problems can’t be fixed overnight, this move by the Minister provides real and tangible evidence that much needed change is finally coming to our health service and I believe that is to be welcomed.”