Sir, – Recent reports concerning various aspects of our health services are increasingly worrying.
Firstly, more than 80 per cent of Ireland’s radiotherapy machines require replacement urgently. The repercussions of ageing machines may have a detrimental effect on those requiring treatment. Machine breakdowns could delay or prolong important treatment.
Secondly, neurology services across the country are experiencing a shortage of specialists and resources, resulting in long waiting lists. Patients outside the Dublin area and in rural areas are more severely affected, with limited access to these services.
Lastly, the national children’s hospital missed another completion deadline this month, with yet no confirmed handover date (“An 18th national children’s hospital completion deadline passes without fanfare”, News, April 29th). This is likely to extend into 2027. Legal disputes between the contractor and the hospital board have already cost €5 million, a figure expected to escalate. The exact cost of the hospital is still unknown, with the current figure likely to exceed €2.24 billion.
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It is the patients who suffer: those awaiting radiation treatment if the machines are not replaced soon; those who urgently need to see a consultant neurologist and are on long waiting lists; and the children and parents who have been waiting years for the hospital to be operational.
I expect those responsible are working hard to resolve the issues. But, please, could they speed up delivery. – Yours, etc,
CLARE BALFE,
Dublin 7.
Sir, – Before it is finished, occupied and operating as was first perceived, it will be renamed the old children’s hospital! – Yours, etc,
JOE BURNS,
Monkstown,
Cork.
