The Eleven Kingdoms is a term used in Ireland by journalists, politicians and others who dislike the current state of Irelands healthcare system. The Eleven Kingdoms refer to the eleven health authorities/boards which controlled the healthcare system set up under the Health Act, 1970.
Patronage
The health authorities/boards were seen as a system of patronage. Members of the boards generally numbers between 30 and 55 at any one time with chemists, county councils, dentists doctors, nurses and Ministerial nominees been present. Each board had a Chief Executive Officer as the head of the board.
Endemic
Many cite bad decisions made by the boards been epidemic of the Irish healthcare system; "shanty town hospitals", poor access to services, poor accountability, overly distributed services, poor emergency services, low healthcare professional numbers, inability to attract and retain healthcare staff, general indecision and poor central control.
The Eleven Kingdoms
Abbreviations;- HA: Health Authority; HB: Health Board; NR: North Riding; SR: South Riding
Future
The system was abolished on 1st January 2005 and replaced with the Health Service Executive, see Health care in Ireland for further details.
External links
Last updated: 05-09-2005 23:51:43