Sir, - Recently a previously healthy relative suffered a sudden, life-threatening cardiothoracic condition. Within four hours of her diagnosis in Waterford, she was admitted to the cardiothoracic unit of the Mater Public Hospital. There staff undertook a six-hour life-saving operation lasting through the night. To say the treatment she received was rapid, efficient and thankfully effective is to understate the case.
When the chips were down the Irish health services delivered a superb service that encompassed not just technical competence, but also kindness and understanding both for the patient and the naturally shocked and upset family. As a non-hospital doctor I found the staff's competence and compassion inspiring. The question of insurance cover did not arise: she needed the surgery immediately and she got it, regardless.
It saddens me that in all that has been written about the Irish health services in The Irish Times, there has been virtually no positive coverage or praise for the care delivered to patients in this country. Kevin Myers is a notable exception; interestingly, he too speaks from personal experience.
Of course The Irish Times has a duty to highlight the many inadequacies of the system, particularly in the area of elective care. I believe no group in the country is more aware of these problems, however, than the often frustrated and almost always overworked health care workers. The constantly negative portrayal of services not only undermines the confidence of those using them but also demoralises the staff who work so hard to deliver care to patients, often without adequate resources.
Finally, thank you to the wonderful cardiothoracic team in the Mater Hospital. - Yours, etc.,
Dr Louise Pomeroy, Wellington Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.