Madam, - I was very surprised to read of the poor ranking of the Irish health service in the recent European report. I am, sadly, not surprised at the report's observation of poor value for money.
As a UK-trained specialist I recently had the pleasure to work as a locum physician in an Irish hospital for a number of weeks. The staff I worked with were both well trained and dedicated. The work practices by both medical and paramedical staff were, however, sadly outdated.
I was pleasantly surprised to find my contract for a 33-hour week afforded me a salary far in excess of that in the UK.
I was further surprised that I was required to sign medical insurance submission forms for nearly half the patients who were admitted under my care through Accident and Emergency.
I was amazed to discover I was expected to submit a bill for my services and that I would be paid for looking after these patients for whom I felt I was already paid to look after.
Such practices, although hugely rewarding to staff, undoubtedly help to explain why further investment will not result in better services if such practices remain unchanged. - Yours, etc,
Dr HASSAN EL HAMADY, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England.