High Pressure in Hospitals
The management consultant, David Hanly, who was appointed to help implement reform of the acute hospital service, has confirmed that his contract has not been renewed by the Department of Health and Children.

Mr Hanly chaired the Hanly Report, which was published in June 2003 as the Government's blueprint for a new hospital system.

Mr Hanly told RTÉ News he had not formally met the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, to discuss the matter.

He said he 'assumed' that his contract had been allowed expire due to the impasse with consultants in a row over medical malpractice insurance.

Mr Hanly said the reforms were 'on ice' due to the dispute with consultants, who are not co-operating with the Hanly pilot projects in two health regions.

Mr Hanly's view was backed up by a spokesperson for the Department of Health, who said that the Hanly Two group had not been able to make any progress on a national plan for hospital services due to the dispute with consultants.

There has also been controversy over the Acute Hospital Review Group which is also due to prepare a plan for the country. That review group has never met.

The Hanly Report proposes a smaller number of major hospitals with full A&E units and a different role for other hospitals.

It recommends a new role for consultants and a method for the implementation of the 48-hour working week for junior doctors.