Madam, – I have just attended my last consultation in Tallaght Hospital. I was diagnosed with breast cancer one year ago and had surgery, chemotherapy and received excellent care in the breast clinic in Tallaght and thankfully I am making a great recovery. As I write, the breast unit of the hospital is closing and is holding its last consultations this week.
I don’t hear any voices raised in protest, although I do know that all the medical staff at the unit are sorely disappointed for the people of Tallaght, Clondalkin and the surrounding areas.
Personally, St Vincent’s (which I’ll now be attending) is closer to my home. But has Mary Harney and her department any thought for the emotional stress of this move to patients who now have to go to new venues and in some cases meet new consultants for their quarterly check-ups?
I believe in centres of excellence and over the past 10 years the Tallaght unit built itself into one such centre through the professionalism of its personnel and their total dedication. I want to highlight our gratitude to all connected with the breast clinic in Tallaght, but to say no thank you Mary Harney and your department for putting us through this upheaval. – Yours, etc,