Sir, - I am an Irish-trained nurse - a much valued commodity in every country in the World except Ireland. The crisis in healthcare deepens daily as patients spend days in casualty units across Dublin. The effort of maintaining reasonable levels of patient care is taking its toll and nurses are now seeking easier way to make a living. They are leaving Ireland by the planeload for lucrative contracts abroad where recognition, thanks and, yes, money are the rewards.
Observation is not a skill our last Minister, Mr Cowen, possessed. If he were a nurse observing our health system, he would really need to be organising top priority medical care and a bed in intensive care. Elective surgery is being cancelled daily in our Dublin hospitals, some of which are running only half their full complement of operating theatres due to the lack of trained theatre nurses.
So, farewell, Mr Cowen. Thanks for all your help - I'll send you a postcard from Dubai. - Yours, etc., Sandra Morton,
Berrymount, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan.