State of the health service

Madam, - Amid all the doom and gloom prevailing in our health service, might I take a moment to remind readers that our hospitals…

Madam, - Amid all the doom and gloom prevailing in our health service, might I take a moment to remind readers that our hospitals remain places where, as in my recent experience at St Michael's Hospital, Dun Laoghaire, the quality of medical and nursing care is exemplary? As a patient with a young family I was delighted with the care and concern shown to me, my wife and children and I have been very struck by the warmth, humanity and sheer professionalism I have encountered from both Irish and overseas medical and nursing staff.

While there is undoubtedly a great need for better buildings, more beds, improved equipment and more staff, I wish to take this opportunity to say thank you to those medical/nursing personnel who cared for me and remind us all that when it comes to caring for the sick the humanity of the carer is the most important thing of all. - Yours, etc.,

PATRICK BOYLAN, Sandyford, Dublin 18.