Sir, - As a nurse/midwife I take issue with assumptions made by Ms Geoghegan-Quinn (Opinion, October 16th). Many of the points raised are ambiguous and lack logic. Our relationship with consultants and medical colleagues is a collaborative one with mutual respect for the decision-making process required for the high standard of maternal and infant care for which maternity services in Ireland are renowned. As part of a multi-disciplinary team we work in harmony alongside and not ancillary to our medical colleagues. Ms Geoghegan-Quinn's article promulgates divisiveness throughout the healthcare system, which is far from reality in the current climate.
Regarding admission control, I would like to inform Ms Geoghegan-Quinn that agreement was reached 12 days before the publication of her article, with statements issued from all sides.
How can The Irish Times be so irresponsible to publish such an ill-informed article just 48 hours before such a serious strike? It is so lacking in sensitivity and demonstrates little understanding of the intrinsic nature and complexity of the nursing process and nursing issues. - Yours, etc.,
Pam Davies, RGN, RM, BA, Staff Midwife, Carragh Hill, Knocknacarra, Galway.