HEART BEAT:What we have seen are ward closures, services discontinued and hospitals downgraded, writes MAURICE NELIGAN
ERITHACUS RUBECULAE, to remind those of you who may have forgotten, is a member of the family Turdidae which includes thrushes and chats. It is more commonly known to us as the robin (redbreast).
Our local, inquisitive and most territorial robin here in Kerry has become increasingly friendly of late. He has taken to joining us in the house, coming in through open doors and windows and perching in all sorts of places. When sufficiently entertained he leaves at his convenience.
A few days ago he embarked upon a more intensive tour than usual. The Highest Authority noted this and gave it as her opinion that our visitor was pushing his luck and that I should do something about it. I suggested that we leave the bird alone and that he would depart in his own good time.
My response, suggesting that we ignore the bird, was regarded as flippant and I was instructed to remove it.
Accordingly I opened more windows and called “Robin”. I was informed witheringly that I was not dealing with a dog. I thanked the HA for this observation, as I get quite confused at times.
The bird, meanwhile, had departed into the main bedroom as it continued its exploration. The HA bounded into the room in pursuit and doubtless to explain that this was not a convenient time for its visit and that she would be happier if it left.
The results were entirely predictable. The bird left several calling cards on the white duvet cover and in sundry places around the house before it sought the great outdoors. I was informed that the house was ruined and it was my fault.
Thanks be to God, that it wasn’t an elephant that called.
Lo and behold, he was back again next morning, oblivious to the havoc he had caused. He appeared full of welcome for himself. The HA was having none of it. The bird was summarily ejected.
I note today that he has the sense to remain patrolling his patch in the garden.
In the meantime, we continue living in the ruined house. Friends of ours here inadvertently locked their robin in the house when they went out. The unfortunate bird discovered the cheese in the mousetrap with lethal consequences.
For my part in the robin incident, I was sentenced to hard labour, digging holes for daffodil bulbs. I had never realised that daffodils were best planted in silence.
Now to matters medical. I read with interest Prof Drumm’s article in this paper headed HSE will not let vested interests stop us from attaining our goal.
It is a sort of “whistling past the graveyard” kind of article. I have made the point before that many in this organisation seem to talk only to one another and not to the people to whom they are responsible.
The article paints a picture that is greatly at variance with the situation on the ground. In fact, it is a mere caricature. It paints a rosy picture of progress when in fact regression of a once proud service is all that has occurred.
Just about every section of the caring professions has been alienated and the pharmacists are simply the latest group to join the others waiting in the long grass for their turn. In fact, it’s getting so crowded in there that we’ll have to grow some more long grass.
I would cavil with just about every statement in this article whose hollow claims and aspirations are so much hot air. We’ve heard it all before; but what we have seen with our own eyes are wards closed, services discontinued and hospitals downgraded.
We have seen perfectly good and functioning units and services being closed and patients forced into hospitals that are themselves stressed and overcrowded. The Sligo debacle is just the latest in a long line of patient-unfriendly decisions. The ordinary people, as you condescendingly point out, are well aware of how much the service costs. They are also aware that they are not getting value or proper service.
Those in the service who disagree become “vested interests”. Sure they’re vested interests. The interest is a proper deal for the sick. There is no sign of this occurring in the foreseeable future.
Just to prompt a cold look at reality. On this summer day in 2006 there were 130 patients on trolleys in hospitals in this State. One year ago there were 160. Today there are 249.
On this day it is confirmed that 33 nurses, two pharmacists and a radiographer are to be let go from Letterkenny General Hospital.
The hospital manager tells us “in a number of services we are continuing to see more patients than we are funded to treat”. That’s bloody wonderful. What happens the rest? Do they just hump off and suffer in silence? You tell them Professor.
Maurice Neligan is a cardiac surgeon