Sir, - The first article in the Irish Medical Times (January 26th) is headed "Bring your own GMS medication with you into hospital". My opinion as a patient is don't. When you get to hospital nurse will take it to put it on the medicine trolly. (A legal requirement, I understand.) If your medicine cannot be found later, a not uncommon occurrence I found, if you mention it to a nurse who is a carer she will do everything in her power to find your medicine. However, if you mention it to a nurse who is following a career path she will worry about legal consequences and not worry if it's not her fault. As for the patient who may be missing essential medicine touch.
Now for the real point of this letter - the 2nd article "End 72 hour NCHD week says IMO". At the end of the article patients' safety is mentioned, which is a joke. No patient wants to be treated by an over tired and overworked doctor. (Who knows they may also be hung over.)
As for the comment that some young doctors like the long hours this I find hard to believe. Any young doctors I have met say they dislike treating patients while tired but they dare not voice their opinion as this would endanger their career. Blackmail may not be intended but young doctors feel it's there. - Yours, etc.,
The Boreen,
Cashel,
Achill,
Co Mayo.