What happened to house calls?

Sir, – Once upon a time, if you fell ill, you sent for the doctor, who came to your house, made a diagnosis, prescribed treatment and monitored your progress for as long as was necessary. The “dispensary” doctor attended public health patients. You were sent to hospital only if you were at death’s door or urgently needed surgery. There was no talk of trolley queues then. What has happened? Why did it go wrong? It would be interesting to know the answer. – Yours, etc,

VERELL BOOTH,

Shankill,

Dublin 18.