Vhi Healthcare and Bon Secours Hospital Cork Reach 2 Year Agreement

5th February 2002 - Vhi Healthcare members will continue to have full cover at the Bon Secours Hospital Cork, following a two-year agreement effective from January 1 2002. Following protracted negotiations during 2001 both parties expressed satisfaction that their long established partnership remains in place.

"We are pleased to reach agreement with Vhi Healthcare and look forward to working together in the best interest of all our patients. Healthcare costs are increasing rapidly due to new treatments, technological advances and health sector wage increases. Reimbursements rates in Ireland are currently significantly below those in the UK and USA. While we recognise the efforts of Vhi Healthcare to keep premium increases to a minimum, rates in Ireland must keep pace with international developments if hospitals are to survive and maintain their high standards," said Pat Lyons, Chief Executive Bon Secours Health System.

"We are delighted to have reached agreement with Bon Secours Hospital Cork. Our agreement with the hospital is a recognition of the excellent service provided to our members in the Cork area. Vhi Healthcare continue to work hard to ensure we get the best deal for our members whilst ensuring that they get access to the best medical care. It is our job to ensure that rising costs in healthcare are justified in delivering benefits to our members. We greatly value our partnership with the Bon Secours Hospital, Cork in trying to achieve that aim," said Vincent Sheridan, Chief Executive Vhi Healthcare.

During 2001 additional treatments were introduced in the Bon Secours Hospital Cork including inpatient MRI Scans and Digital Mammography together with enhanced maternity benefits. During this year (2002) Coronary Angioplasty will be introduced.

In the last year, 1,985 babies were born in the hospital - the Bon Secours Hospital Cork is one of only two private hospitals in the country providing maternity services for Vhi Healthcare members.

ENDS.

For further information please contact:-
Vhi Healthcare
Kathleen Cahill
Public Relations Manager
7997026 or 087-2538279

or

Bons Secours Hospital
Robin O'Sullivan
O'Sullivan PR Ltd.
(021) 4272759