Book tracks evolution of Irish health service over last 50 years

A new book examining the evolution and development of the health service in Ireland over the past 50 years is being launched today, with the author saying that although the health service is not perfect, it has made a lot of progress in its time.

The Health of the Nationcharts the transition of the healthcare system from the days of infirmaries and dispensaries to the introduction of the HSE and private hospital care.

The book was written by former Irish Timessocial affairs correspondent, Padraig O'Morain. It was commissioned by the VHI to commemorate the company's 50th anniversary.

"In looking at, and criticising, our current health system. We have to remember that we only began to develop a modern health system 45 years ago - a much shorter period than other European countries.

"Moreover, we began in the 1970s without the resources of countries such as France or Germany whose health systems are admired," Mr O'Morain said.

"I was fascinated to learn that the health service we had prior to the 1970s was almost the same as what existed in many places in the 19th century.

"The sheer number of groups and interests involved in the Irish healthcare system over the years, such as the State, church and universities, provided an interesting platform to work off."

The Health of the Nationexamines hospital expansion, community care schemes, disability, controversy and concludes by looking to the future of Irish health.

One particular issue which sparked Mr O'Morain's interest during his research is how private healthcare and hospitals will fit into the health service in years to come.

"Private healthcare is at a crossroads. For most of the last 50 years, private hospitals played a minor role in hospital provision. That role is set to expand greatly - but will they be able to survive without State contracts and will they, in a sense, become another arm of State provision," he asks.

"For this to work, private hospitals need to be brought within the same quality and safety standards as public hospitals.

"That said, the creation of a public hospital system so good and accessible that private healthcare becomes entirely a matter of free choice seems to me to be the wish, still, of almost all Irish people."

VHI chief executive Vincent Sheridan said: "Rather than commission a straight history of the company to coincide with our 50th year, we chose to document the changes that have taken place in the health services instead.

"We believe this book is a very important record of its development."