Sir, – I read with interest the article "Time to bring back Irish doctors and nurses who have emigrated" (Niamh Humphries, Opinion & Analysis, September 16th), in which the results of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland's project "Failure to Retain" are mentioned.
It should be acknowledged that although medical emigration is now in sharp focus due to recruitment constraints within the HSE, financial cutbacks and poor working conditions, it is not a new phenomenon.
For many years Irish graduates have had to resort to working abroad, following years of dedicated service at junior level, due to a lack of training opportunities at postgraduate level within the Irish health system.
As a result, significant professional talent has been lost to different healthcare economies. Negative media portrayal of the profession and a reluctance to expand specialities in Ireland due to vested private interests have not helped and are contributing to the “manpower crisis” in Irish medicine.
The editorial alludes to an aspirational healthcare system which retains, respects and values its employees and provides them with a safe environment in which they can care for patients and protect their own wellbeing.
I suspect we will have to wait quite a while for that. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL S FLOYD, MB
Leuven,
Belgium.