Sir, - The German Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once wrote: "Women are as cows, the warrior's plaything". In Ireland women are not even equated with cows. The result of a foot-and-mouth test on a cow can be available within two days. A woman who undergoes a smear test for cancer will usually have to wait months for the result.
A doctor recently told a friend of mine that she will have to wait five months for the result of her smear test. Just imagine, having to wait five months in a life-and-death situation to learn of your fate. A foot-and-mouth test on a cow is available within two days. This matter has nothing to do with money or lack of it, yet it is endemic, particularly in public hospitals.
The High Court could quickly sort out this farce as it has already sorted out other health issues. There are a lot of angry, anxious and desperate women out there who have the Damoclean sword unfairly suspended over their heads. Surely the Well Woman Centre or some concerned person could have this matter raised in the High Court. - Yours, etc.,
Micheβl ╙ Nuallβin, Monkstown, Co Dublin.