Sir, - In response to Dr B. McLoughlin (November 4th), I think it's worth noting that there is no sector of the medical service whose members are "ten a penny". Waiting lists were lengthy and hospital wards throughout the country were closed long before the nurses' strike took place. I understand the mathematics of the situation, applaud the efforts junior doctors made during the strike and sympathise with the excessive work loads, but it is condescending and inappropriate in the context of the argument to question the intelligence of nurses, who didn't enjoy staging a picket and who are a group of well-trained, committed professionals. - Yours, etc.,
Eamonn Allen, Portarlington, Co Laois.