H SE cannot afford to lose the public’s trust

IN the midst of a chronic trolley crisis with the HSE besieged by patients needing vital services, the last thing the beleaguered organisation needed was to be embroiled in a slew of revelations about poor financial management. A series of troubling audits has exposed questionable practices across a range of agencies partly funded by the organisation.

There may be reasonable explanations, but the necessity for entertaining some staff at such locations as The Shelbourne Hotel and Trocadero restaurant – as was the case with Our Lady’s Hospice – will raise the hackles of some.

Tusla and the St John of God’s also found themselves mentioned in the audits.

The reports reveal poor control of HSE staff expenses, which will raise questions about the use of scarce resources.

What is especially disappointing is that so many of these organisations are charities that rely heavily on the public.

Tight control of funds and strict monitoring is central to maintaining public confidence and trust.

Any misuse of such money has a disproportionate impact on the reputation of the institution and must be taken seriously.