Video:HSE Decision to postpone Cystic Fibrosis unit at St Vincent's Hospital Dublin must be reversed immediately

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The promise by the Health Service Executive that a new building with state of the art accommodation for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients would be provided at Dublin’s St Vincent’s hospital by 2010 will not be fulfilled.
The HSE has confirmed that funding for constructing the building, which would have about 30 single rooms for CF patients, will not be available “until 2011 at the earliest".

According to FG health Spokesman Dr James Reilly TD

"The lack of appropriate cystic fibrosis beds exposes patients to cross-infection and shortens their lives which are already tragically brief. It is absolutely indefensible that we are still forcing these patients into overcrowded wards that place them literally in mortal danger. I am disgusted by the confirmation today that the promised new 30-bed unit at St Vincent's Hospital has been postponed. Not only that but only eight of 14 single rooms promised as an interim solution while this block was being built have not been delivered.

"We heard on the Liveline programme today how some of the CF patients who contributed to that programme last year have passed away in recent times. By its actions the Government is effectively condemning others to the same fate. Ireland has the highest rate of CF in the world and the strongest mutation of the disease so we need isolated single hospital beds for treatment more than anywhere else in the world. Because we don't have these facilities Irish patients die 10 years earlier than their counterparts in Northern Ireland.

This heartless decision shames Ireland and its people. Undoubtedly the country's public finances are in dire straits and Ministers are strapped for cash. However cutbacks can be made in the machinery of government itself and the resultant savings diverted into this project. The number of Ministers for State could be reduced to 12. Many of the Dail committees could be abolished. TDs expenses could be reduced. Sitting TDs should not draw Ministerial Pensions. Funds could be diverted from the national lottery to this project. Higher paid executives at the HSE could take pay cuts.

The postponement is a death sentence for many cystic fibrosis patients. It is unworthy of a so- called civilized country. Minister for Health Mary Harney must intervene immediately and ensure a continuation of the project. Otherwise the judgement of history will be harsh.

Colin Powell endorsement of Obama no surprise-(A Cynical Decision based on Race??)

So Colin Powell has finally endorsed Barack Obama. Surprise Surprise. In September Colin Powell stated that the election of an African-American US president would be “electrifying” for the world. So he emphasized the African American aspect. Race is obviously an important issue for him even though he will deny it. He wishes to be part of history-as he sees it. Many white voters will see this as a further example of African -Americans closing ranks behind their man. Of course to suggest that race is a major consideration for Powell is to run the risk of being labelled racist. The unvarnished truth is that race was the major consideration. This could backfire badly on Obama. Many whites may decide in the privacy of the ballot box not to vote for an African- American president on the basis of closing ranks around their man.

It is safe to assume that a high proportion of the 98% of African Americans -who support Obama -will vote on the basis of the colour of his skin. Colin Powell can make all the lofty claims he likes about Obama but the reality is that he left the cat out of the bag in September.
In addition his endorsement has come late in the campaign. Looks like a cynical effort to secure a position in a putative Obama administration. Of course he agrees with Obama on issues such as abortion.

Powell criticized the tone of the McCain/Palin campaign and criticized Sarah Palin's readiness for office. This is risible. It is the ultimate in hypocrisy. Barack Obama has NO executive experience whilst Palin has executive experience as Governor of Alaska.
Apparently Powell is not at all concerned at the savage attacks on Sarah Palin.

Carpetbaggers have a chequered history in politics.