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 control the healthcare system set up under the Health Act, 1970.

Patronage

The health authorities/boards are 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 has 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

Currently the healthcare system in Ireland is a great source of debate, the government wants to reform the system, however because the systems ingrown patronage it remains to be seen if this is possible.

External links

• Department of Health (http://www.doh.ie)
• The Health Boards Executive (http://www.hebe.ie)