PROPOSALS by the Independent Hospital Association of Ireland to the VHI to resolve the dispute between the two sides have been rejected. The collapse of the agreement between 18 private hospitals and the VHI over increased hospital charges means that many patients will have to pay their bills before leaving hospital and then seek reimbursement from the VHI.
IHAI chairman Mr Vincent Finn wrote to the VHI on Friday with proposals to resolve the impasse, but he received a reply yesterday rejecting them.
IHAI chief executive Mr Michael Heavey said: "I would have imagined that the VHI would have welcomed the opportunity to hold further discussions if for no other reason than the relief from anxiety and suffering they offered to our patients and the VHI's members."
Last night, Mr Finn proposed that a fundamental review - already tentatively agreed - go ahead under an independent chairperson. He also proposed that each member of the IHAI receive a 3.5 per cent increase together with the existing offer of 3.5 per cent on cash out turn and budget, whichever is the higher". He said the additional cost to the VHI would be £850,000.