Irish Medical Times | Opinion

Opinion: Letters

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More information needed on cord blood banks

11 March 2010

Dear Editor, The Department of Health has said it will not fund private banks, but it has not said it will not consider a public cord bank and there are exploratory talks ongoing regarding its feasibility. Our chief concern is... Read more

Medics cannot destroy human life

11 March 2010

Dear Editor, Human rights are for humans. You cannot discriminate between humans, whether they are white, black or whatever race. Everyone is part of the human race. The obstetrician has two humans to care for, the mother and the human... Read more

Death is more than just a set of measures

11 March 2010

Dear Sir, I read with interest the recent preliminary findings of the national audit for end-of-life care conducted by the Irish Hospice Foundation (IMT 29/1/10, www.imt.ie/opinion/2010/01/enabling_dignity_at_patients_e.html). Though I keenly support the setting of standards and the provision of dignity at... Read more

Latest issue of MIMS should always be used

11 March 2010

Dear Editor, MIMS Editorial Team was amused to read Dr Paul Heslin’s humorous piece in our sister publication IMT (5/3/10, www.imt.ie/opinion/2010/03/time_to_throw_the_book_at_mims.html). On a more serious note, we would like to clarify a few points that seem to be confusing to... Read more

GPs ignored by the HSE

03 March 2010

Dear Editor, Now that the dust has settled on the recent H1N1 pandemic and calmer emotions prevail, I would like, as a GP, to ask some questions of the Health Service Executive. Did the HSE go into this crisis deciding... Read more

Competition will lead to further destruction

03 March 2010

Dear Editor, I am writing in follow-up to a letter by Dr Marian O’Keeffe (Irish Medical Times, February 5, 2010) regarding the Competition Authority and advertising for doctors. It is amazing that our great Government has money to pay a... Read more

Time to rethink use of BMI as predictor of cardiac disease

25 February 2010

Dear Editor, With so many hospitals and aesthetic clinics in Ireland now providing obesity reduction as a therapy, physicians have a responsibility to their patients to estimate their risk of a future cardiovascular event. The most common method of assessing... Read more

Medical students to be 'tagged' at UCC event

25 February 2010

Dear Editor, This Saturday, February 27, the UCC Medical Society will breathe life into the Irish Medical Rugby Intervarsity. Once the event of every medical student’s calendar, it’s set to do the same again. Bringing students from the nation’s medical... Read more

Human rights group's call for abortion guidelines is 'selective' and 'limited '

25 February 2010

Dear Editor, An article in a recent edition of Irish Medical Times (February 12) informs us that the group Human Rights Watch has essentially called for legislation for abortion in Ireland. I assume they agree to the right to life.... Read more

Doctors should be aware of 'wider need' on costs

25 February 2010

Dear Editor, The recent announcement of significant reductions in prices of long-established medicines could produce significant savings for our public health service and for individual private patients. Here are two examples (manufacturing price) comparing older and newer drugs. Statins Lipostat... Read more

Dismantling of the NUI will threaten university standards

18 February 2010

Dear Editor, As a retired head of a medical school department in the National University of Ireland (NUI), I consider that dismantling the organisation, intended by the Minister for Education, could well lead to low standards and abuse by vested... Read more

Emergency training in developing countries

18 February 2010

Dear Editor, I am a consultant in Emergency Medicine in AMNCH, Tallaght and run a charitable organisiation called Global Emergency Care Skills (GECS). GECS was founded in 2008 as a voluntary, non-profit organisation with a core objective of providing emergency... Read more

Care for dying patients

18 February 2010

Dear Editor, The Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) wholeheartedly supports Dr Liam O’Siorain in his call for medical cards to be automatically given to people who are terminally ill (IMT 29/1/2010, see www.imt.ie/news/2010/01/automatic_medical_cards_for_dy.html). The IHF made a similar recommendation in its... Read more

GP units are central to delivery of primary care

11 February 2010

Dear Editor, Re: the letters of Drs O’Doherty (IMT, January 1-8, 2010) and Kelly (IMT, January 29, 2010). I would like to thank the GP/primary care unit in South Mall, Cork for the support that they have given over the... Read more

Guide contradicts basis to conscientiously object due to religion

11 February 2010

Dear Editor, The 2009 Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics has three points on conscientious objection. At present, there is a widespread assault on medical conscientious objection in the UK and the US, to the extent that doctors with established... Read more

Spin on privatised health service by HSE needs 'piercing'

11 February 2010

Dear Editor, The HSE’s National Director of Integrated Services — Performance and Financial Management, Laverne McGuinness, seems to equate low hospital admission-rates with ‘quality, effective service’. This is delusional. Fewer people, an estimated 53,000, will receive the care they need... Read more

Competition may in fact lead to higher GP fees

04 February 2010

Copy of letter sent to Mr Declan Purcell, Competition Authority. Dear Mr Purcell, I would like to query the basis of recent claims by yourself and the Competition Authority [as reported in IMT, January 1&8, 2010, page 8]. Twenty years... Read more

Taking stock of the ‘Newry effect’ in drugs

04 February 2010

Dear Editor, Many of our patients are at present under severe financial pressures. This week, I spoke to one patient who stopped their statin (ten-year risk 18 per cent) because it was too expensive, and to another patient who stopped... Read more

Co-ops should take over role of GP Units

28 January 2010

Dear Editor, I would like to comment on the points raised by Dr Kevin O’Doherty in his letter in your recent publication (Irish Medical Times, 1 & 8 January 2010), and to take issue with many of them as his... Read more

Resource allocation FOIs

28 January 2010

Dear Editor, With reference to your two recent articles on resource allocation (Irish Medical Times, 1 & 8 January, 2010, pages 1 & 4), it is not surprising that your good paper had to resort to the Freedom of Information... Read more

A demographic time bomb

28 January 2010

Dear Editor, Ireland has one of the fastest growing elderly populations in Europe. The Government Green Paper on Pensions states that in 50 years ,there will be two people of working age to support one pensioner. No combination of State... Read more

Abortion stance in ethical guide

28 January 2010

Dear Prof Murphy, Thank you for sending me the recently revised copy of the ‘Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners’, 7th edition 2009. The publication has always represented good common sense and a valuable guide. However,... Read more

Aindreas McEntee prize open to medical writers

21 January 2010

Dear Editor, Aindreas McEntee, who died after a short illness in January 2005, was a gifted writer and journalist with the Anglo Celt newspaper in Cavan and the Irish Press group, where he worked from 1978 to 1995. He was... Read more

Judiciary has taken narrow view on bias

21 January 2010

Dear Editor, Mr Ed Madden’s article ‘Domiciliary midwife loses High Court challenge’ (Irish Medical Times, January 1 & 8, 2010) is hugely interesting and raises many issues. Mr Madden describes the case of a domiciliary midwife, Ms Ann O’Ceallaigh, who... Read more

A devaluing of general practice will cause exodus

14 January 2010

Dear Editor, Those who would devalue general practice in Ireland might well learn from a similar Canadian experience, which resulted in a mass exodus of doctors from that country to the extent that about 15 per cent of Canadians have... Read more

Submission to NCSS — pay GPs for opportunistic smears

14 January 2010

Dear Editor, It was with disbelief (but somehow also resignation) that I read the full page advertisement in your publication of 11/12/09 by the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) in relation to ‘hard to reach’ or marginalised populations. The NCSS... Read more

‘DNA’ profiling required by Health Service Executive

14 January 2010

Dear Editor, As per your recent article entitled ‘High did-not-attend rates continue’ of December 4, 2009 (www.imt.ie/news/2009/12/high_didnotattend_rates_contin.html), there may be multiple reasons for the large number of people not showing up for appointments. But no reason is given by the... Read more

Ill-informed letter on GP unit doctors was unjust

07 January 2010

Dear Editor, As a practicing GP and active GP unit doctor, I was interested to read an anonymous open letter to the Minister for Health and Children and the CEO of the HSE on the role of GP unit doctors... Read more

Cannabis research is valid

07 January 2010

Dear Editor, In response to the debate on whether cannabis can cause psychosis, the recent article by Di Forte et al in the British Journal of Psychiatry established that individuals with a first episode of psychosis were no more likely... Read more

Mullingar medics dismayed at local hospital downgrading

06 January 2010

Dear Editor, We, the undersigned healthcare providers in the community, on behalf of ourselves and most importantly our patients, wish to express our concerns and dismay regarding the apparent downgrading of our local hospital in Mullingar, the Lonford/Westmeath Regional Hospital... Read more

All doctors are treating themselves and families

17 December 2009

Dear Editor, The headline in a recent edition of Irish Medical Times (December 4, 2009) of ‘Young GPs usually treat themselves’ should really have read ‘All doctors usually treat themselves’. And not only do they treat themselves, but they also... Read more

TD hotline shows failure of centralisation

17 December 2009

Dear Editor, I see the Department of Health is considering a hotline for Oirechtas members to follow their constituents’ medical card applications (Irish Medical Times, December 11 2009). With the HSE reversal to regional service, is this a covert strategy... Read more

Cannabis use and link to psychosis is not proven

10 December 2009

Dear Editor, The article in IMT 4/12/2009 regarding the association between high-potency cannabis (skunk) use and psychosis is misleading. Dr Marta Di Forti and her team published their results in the British Journal of Psychiatry. They collected information from 280... Read more

An open letter to Minister Harney and Prof Drumm

10 December 2009

Dear Minister Harney and Professor Drumm, As part of the proposed Public Services Reform, I would like to draw your attention to one area that is a source of great disquiet to myself and to many of my doctor colleagues... Read more

Some sense and nonsense of the public/private ratio in Irish maternity care

10 December 2009

Dear Editor, It is indeed very commendable that Ms Harney, Prof Drumm and Ms Lynott are trying to increase access for public patients to hospital services. Their background thinking must be that private patients hinder or block opportunities for access... Read more

Incretin mimetics have modest effect

03 December 2009

Dear Editor, I read with some dismay your recent report on liraglutide published on 27/11/2009. It seems to lack balance to me. Apparently this was from presentations made at the Annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of... Read more

Recognition of muscular dystrophy register welcome

03 December 2009

Dear Editor, I welcome the announcement by Minister of State John Maloney in Irish Medical Times (16 Nov), that the Irish/British Duchenne muscular dystrophy register will officially be recognised by the Government. Muscular Dystrophy Ireland has been lobbying for this... Read more

A response to the HSE's attempt to reduce GP fees

03 December 2009

To Mr Patrick Burke Primary Care Reimbursement Service Finglas Dublin 11 cc Editor, Irish Medical Times Dear Mr Burke, I am in receipt of your letter dated 11/1/2009. The letter itself is quite unique in that it is couched in... Read more

A response to the HSE's attempt to reduce GP fees

03 December 2009

Patients still on trolleys and operations still being cancelled

03 December 2009

Dear Editor, I was moved by Professor Brendan Drumm’s article in the latest Irish Medical Times (20/11/2009) to share some measures of the health service’s performance which Professor Drumm failed to mention. First there is the reality for patients still... Read more

Assessment doesn't need fasting

03 December 2009

Dear Editor, The fasting protocol for measuring cholesterol is not necessary. A recent change in the design format of patient request forms was instituted by the laboratory that I routinely use for chemical pathology analysis. In a departure from the... Read more

Canada is looking a lot more attractive to general practitioners

03 December 2009

Dear Editor, Those who would devalue general practice in Ireland might well learn from a similar Canadian experiment. The experiment resulted in a mass exodus of doctors from that country to the extent that about 15 per cent of Canadians... Read more

Self-evident truths are best when they suit your argument

26 November 2009

Re: Self-evident when it suits! Dear Editor, Cathal Ó’Súilliobháin (‘Enjoy cocaine responsibly’; IMT, 13th November, 2009) refutes the statement (probably correctly) that ‘all illegal drugs are very dangerous’ (on the basis of the ‘overwhelming weight of scientific evidence’), and along... Read more

Mater not best site for NCH

26 November 2009

Dear Editor, My father always held that the permanent government made all the decisions and the elected inexperienced government mostly implemented them. He held that on this basis, three Reverend Mothers are what the country needs to run it properly.... Read more

Use of Mecca image for IMT article was not appropriate

26 November 2009

Dear Editor, I was very disturbed to see an article by Dr Garrett FitzGerald in Irish Medical Times (13/11/09). I will not comment on the contents of the article as these are the author’s own opinions. However, the selection of... Read more

Has Harney no sense of justice?

26 November 2009

Dear Editor, Minister Mary Harney is suggesting a 50 cent charge per item on a prescription for Medical Card patients and has also suggested, in her role as a doctor presumably, that ten items per prescription are both excessive and... Read more

Newgrange still the oldest monument

26 November 2009

Dear Editor, Re Tim O’Brien’s description of his trip to Berlin in today’s IMT: May I point out that the Altar of Zeus at Pergamum and the Isthar Gate at Babylon were not constructed at the same time as Newgrange.... Read more

Abolishing the OTC quango?

19 November 2009

Dear Editor, I was surprised by the stance taken by you in your editorial piece ‘Raise Price, dump quango’ in Irish Medical Times (Friday October 30), in which you called for the Office of Tobacco (OTC) control to be disbanded... Read more

Important to inform public on clinical aspects

19 November 2009

Dear Editor, In these days of organ donations it is also important to inform the public of the clinical aspects of organ donation, e.g. a patient must die in a general hospital and cannot die in nursing homes or in... Read more

'Worried women' breast cancer remark is misleading

12 November 2009

Dear Editor, We would like to respond to your article about Prof Tom Keane and his comments that too many many ‘worried Women’ are presenting to symptomatic breast clinics and your headline that GPs refer too many breast lumps. In... Read more

HSE teams are more theory than practice

12 November 2009

Dear Editor, I was interested to see an article on Primary Care Teams on the Irish Medical Times front page today (05.11.2009). We (in Clonakilty) recently had an introductory Primary Care Team meeting with the HSE. We don’t have a... Read more

Time for doctors to apologise to ME patients

12 November 2009

Dear Editor, In the sentence, ‘Is it time to apologise to all the patients who were diagnosed as being somewhat cracked?’ (Retrovirus may shed light on mystery of chronic fatigue, Irish Medical Times, 29 October 2009), this 22-year veteran ME... Read more

HPAT is worth the time spent preparing

05 November 2009

Letter of the week Dear Editor, The views of Dr John Murphy, expressed in his editorial in the latest Irish Medical Journal and reviewed by Niamh Mullen (IMT Oct 30, 2009) on the introduction of the HPAT Ireland test for... Read more

IMT headline was misleading

05 November 2009

Dear Editor, The headline on your front page of October 9, 2009 is misleading and is not substantiated by the detail provided in the article. It appears to me that your reporter has completely misinterpreted the information he obtained from... Read more

Olderpeopleshowusthatyoucanifyouwant

05 November 2009

Dear Editor, On Monday 19th of October, I received a text message. It read: ‘Dimyfirstextmessageletmeknowifyougotitdad’ It was from my father. He’s 83 years old. I was speechless. I replied letting him know about the Zero for the Space. About 15... Read more

The HSE needs a Gandhi — not Disney

05 November 2009

Dear Editor, Let it be said, Prof Brendan Drumm is a good man. So why is he so lacking in self-awareness that Nero-like he fiddles away singing for a E70,000 bonus while the health service burns uncontrollably throughout the land?... Read more

Professor's views on 'third-world' doctors are prejudiced

05 November 2009

Dear Editor, I have to say that I had not heard of Prof Roy Pounder before (Irish Medical Times, October 16, 2009). The reason that prompted me to write this letter to you was my disgust and utter surprise at... Read more

Gunfight at Clongowes

29 October 2009

Dear Editor, The excellent article (9/10/09) by Dr Garret Fitzgerald revived a poignant nightmare for me, while we was attending the same centre of excellence. A river of Lourdes water ain’t going to wash away the experience. I was bivouacked... Read more

Fewer workers could actually lead to more efficiencies

28 October 2009

Dear Editor, “There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.” --Peter Drucker, American (Austrian-born) management writer (1909 - 2005). I am thinking of all the innocent men and women in the HSE... Read more

Swine flu solution

22 October 2009

Dear Editor, Last night I attended a meeting of 112 GPs organised by the ICGP, on the subject of swine flu. As part of an extensive presentation on the diagnosis, treatment and general management of swine flu, we were given... Read more

NAIGP funds had been left to rest in its bank account

22 October 2009

Dear Editor, I would appreciate using this platform to contact past members of a group formed back in the early 1990s known as the NAIGP. This group has long been defunct, but sorting through papers recently I found the money!... Read more

Sober thoughts on patient care

22 October 2009

Dear Editor, Last week, a patient came to show me a medal he earned from AA for being sober for 10 years. I was busy preparing a repeat script for him and he showed it to me. I simply said,... Read more

CervicalCheck has proved to be a success

Tony O’Brien | 22 October 2009

Tony O’Brien, CEO, National Cancer Screening Service responds to a recent letter in Irish Medical Times on the subject of smear tests... Read more

A human solution to the problem of smears

08 October 2009

Dear Editor, Congratulations to John O’Keeffe on his excellent letter in last week’s IMT, with which I concur wholeheartedly.We used to have a within-Ireland cervical smear system, which, aside from being under-resourced, worked well. That system, which was not broken,... Read more

Doomsday psoriasis scenario rarely occurs

08 October 2009

Dear Editor, Dr Pixie McKenna’s doomsday scenario (IMT 25.9.09) about Psoriasis ruining lives, linen and clothes rarely occurs in my practice or those of referring family physicians. The social stigmata to which she refers have been greatly reduced by the... Read more

HPAT accepted over time

01 October 2009

Dear Editor, Re: Niamh Mullen’s article “Can ‘grind’ schools help with HPAT preparation?” The current brouhaha regarding the ‘grinds schools’ for HPAT is similar to what happened when a similar test was introduced in Australia 15 years ago. Now preparation... Read more

Ode error, oh dear

01 October 2009

Dear Editor, Might I point out to Dr O Domhnaill (Letters 25/9/09) that Gerard Manley Hopkins wasn’t even born when Keats penned the poem “To Autumn” which contained the lines referred to…..’season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’. Oooops! Prof Arthur... Read more

Should doctors always recommend clinics?

01 October 2009

Dear Editor, I have witnessed the following scenario often enough to raise concerns with me and to make me wonder if these concerns are shared by my colleagues. A patient with metastatic cancer died about a month ago, and I... Read more

Tattoos could express a wish to donate organs after death

01 October 2009

Dear Editor, I made the following suggestion to the Liveline programme on RTE after I heard a lady describe her sad feelings on finding a donor card in her daughter’s belongings some days after her accidental death. Is it not... Read more

The European Empire

24 September 2009

Dear Editor, It is certainly that time of year again, the season of ‘mists and mellow fruitfulness’ to which Gerard Manley Hopkins referred. To many of us, it is a time of year to be dreaded as, apart from the... Read more

Urine testing is a waste of time

24 September 2009

Dear Editor, I would like to echo Dr Cathal Ó Súilliobháin’s views on urine testing in the field of addictions (‘Taking the piss: is HSE drug testing wasting millions?’, IMT September 11, www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/09/taking_the_piss_is_hse_drug_te.html). The international research shows that drug screens... Read more

HSE did not consult GPs

24 September 2009

Re: HSE claims re GP failure to engage with ambulance SOP protocols in the mid-west. Dear Editor, Your front page article of 18/09/09 quoted HSE claims that GPs failed to respond to invitations to develop emergency services protocols arising from... Read more

Dr Duffy cannot accept primary care has changed

24 September 2009

Dear Editor, I read with great disdain the article by Dr Illona Duffy (‘Let down yet again by improvements’ IMT 11/9/’09, www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/09/let_down_yet_again_by_improvem.html). First I would like to apologise to Prof Keane for comments made on his nationality and say not... Read more

Good reasons to vote 'no'

17 September 2009

Dear Editor, In my opinion, there are no compelling reasons to vote for the Lisbon Treaty, and several good reasons to vote against it - not least the fact that the European Union has survived since the treaty was first... Read more

Clearing up the confusion about saturated fats

10 September 2009

Dear Editor, Re: ‘Saturated fats – can someone clear up the confusion?’ (IMT 21/8’09, www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/08/saturated_fats_can_someone_cle_1.html). There should be no confusion about the benefits of dietary saturated fats! Current dietary guidelines in respect of saturated fat restriction reflect American Heart Association... Read more

Minister's 'notable inaccuracies' on cancer

10 September 2009

Dear Editor Minister Harney’s address to the LiveStrong Global Cancer Summit, as reported in Irish Medical Times of 28/8/’09 (‘Cancer strategy threat from vested interests’, www.imt.ie/news/2009/08/harney_pledges_to_drive_suppor.html), contained several notable and tendentious inaccuracies. 1. The Minister’s reference to the role of... Read more

Sligo downgrading a cause for serious concern

10 September 2009

Dear Editor, The centralisation of services sounds very well in theory, but not always in practice. Writing as someone who has been in general practice for 55 years and as the longest surviving past president of the ICGP, I should... Read more

New dawn for South Africa?

10 September 2009

Dear Editor, The decision of South African Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, and leading South African scientists to openly challenge the governing ANC party on its deeply flawed record on AIDS recently in The Lancet must be embraced. Although the... Read more

A 'gutless' kick at students

03 September 2009

Dear Editor, Terence Cosgrave’s article in the August 21 issue (‘Who gets to go to medical school?’, www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/08/who_gets_to_go_to_medical_scho.html) starts well enough in trying to elaborate on the introduction of the HPAT and its impact on medical student intake. It’s a... Read more

HPAT yet to prove its worth

03 September 2009

Dear Editor, It was with interest that I read Terence Cosgrave’s and other articles regarding HPAT entry to medical school (IMT August 21, ‘Who gets to go to medical school?’, www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/08/who_gets_to_go_to_medical_scho.html). It seems that no one is happy, except the... Read more

Medical schools are now redundant

03 September 2009

Dear Editor, The Minister for Health, Mary Harney, is to be congratulated on her recent proposals to save the health services. The thrust of her reform package can be summarised as follows: 1 Encouraging job satisfaction for pharmacists; 2 Solving... Read more

Medical students give a lot back to the State

27 August 2009

Dear Editor, I refer to the 21/8/’09 editorial, ‘Who gets to go to medical school?’ (www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/08/who_gets_to_go_to_medical_scho.html). You write that ‘society pays an enormous cost to educate medical students’ but ‘the State gets very little back’. Our system is one where... Read more

HSE forces graduates to move abroad

27 August 2009

Dear Editor, With regard to your editorial last week (‘Who gets to go to medical school?’, www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/08/who_gets_to_go_to_medical_scho.html), the vast majority of Irish medical graduates do stay in Ireland and enter the hospital system as NCHDs, working long hours and contributing... Read more

Protection needed from pensionable politicians

20 August 2009

Dear Editor, As a taxpayer, I need a protective voice to defend me from expense-ridden, pension-conscious, vested-interest-negotiating politicians, a greedy legal class fat on needless commissions — tribunals — and prostituted by politically appointed bias, inept banks we don’t need... Read more

Saturated fats — can someone clear up the confusion?

20 August 2009

Dear Editor, July’s Cardiology Supplement (July 31 issue) was informative and had a practical approach to cardiovascular health. Interesting articles from CROI Ireland and Dr Neville Wilson of the Leinster Clinic, Maynooth were noted. The aims ‘Croi MyAction’ outlines and... Read more

Memories of John Feely

Colin Kerr | 13 August 2009

Dear Editor, I read with sadness your recent obituary of Prof John Feely (IMT 24/7/’09, see www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/07/a_great_loss_to_science_and_me.html). John was, as the writer of the obituary states, an outstanding doctor and scientist but he was also much more than that. As... Read more

Fix our ailing economy

06 August 2009

Dear Editor, Our administration is currently hoping to ride out a storm without keeping an eye on the long-term plan. Our public finances are a complex web of financially interdependent systems and the downfall triggered a catastrophic chain of events... Read more

Treatment of anal fissure

06 August 2009

Dear Editor, I wish to congratulate Mr J. Butt for his excellent review on anal fissures (IMT 24/07/09, see www.imt.ie/clinical/diagnosis-and-treatment-of-ana.html) and I would like to make some comments: 1. Mr Butt rightly mentions with some criticism Lord’s procedure, which probably,... Read more

Sligo cancer referrals

06 August 2009

Dear Editor, The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) has issued a directive stating that, as of August 6, Sligo General Hospital will no longer accept new symptomatic breast referrals. GPs are being directed to send all new referrals after this... Read more

New rules force doctors out

Mr Bejoy Philip | 29 July 2009

Dear Editor, The recent announcement by the Depart-ment of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, ‘Notice regarding non-EEA doctors’, reads that ‘as and from July 1, 2009, all non-EEA doctors who are on Trainee Specialist Registration (all the doctors who are... Read more

Symphysiotomy was an abusive use of authority

Marie O’Connor | 17 July 2009

Dear Editor, Dr [John] McCarthy has queried my raising of symphysiotomy in the context of abuse victims (3 July). Symphysiotomy was practiced in Ireland until 1984. The surgery severed the pubic bones, unhinging the pelvis. Around 120 mothers today live... Read more

Government ignoring advice on addiction

Dr Juliet Bressan | 17 July 2009

Dear Editor, I’d like to congratulate Terence Cosgrave on a superb editorial in the July 10 issue (www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/07/time_for_new_attitude_on_addic.html), in which he outlines the need for change in legal policy on drug use, violence and violent crime. Portugal has recently de-criminalised... Read more

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a real medical condition

Dr Liv Bode | 10 July 2009

Dear Editor, ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) is a physical disease. It is not a product of the patients’ imagination and is not a psychological problem. Funds have been used for research into the hypothetical psychiatric nature of the disease... Read more

ME Think Tank is lost opportunity

Dr John H Greensmith | 06 July 2009

Dear Editor, The European Think Tank for ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis) is composed of ten of the most respected and esteemed doctors and researchers in the world, many of whom, including Irish representative Dr Derek Enlander (‘Belfast-born doctor pushes ME research’,... Read more

Symphysiotomy abuse claim unfair to obstetricians

John R. McCarthy | 05 July 2009

Dear Editor, I have rarely been as annoyed by a letter as I have been by that of Marie O’Connor on symphysiotomy. Symphysiotomy is no longer performed – and has not been since, I think, the 1960s. The world has... Read more

Dealing with medical reps can be worthwhile

Dr Terence J Hynes | 26 June 2009

Dear Editor, Dr Garrett Igoe’s article (www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/06/on_big_pharma_and_drug_reps.html, June 12) prompted me to write concerning medical representatives. These are well-trained, intelligent people doing a good service for the pharmaceutical/medical professions. It has come to my knowledge that my colleagues deal with... Read more

Advert should have had alternatives

Dr Orla Halpenny | 26 June 2009

Dear Editor, I was very surprised that the advertisement for the Marie Stopes abortion services (IMT, June 12) was not accompanied by an advertisement for agencies offering an alternative service to pregnant women in Ireland and elsewhere. As you rightly... Read more

Running clinic ad was support for abortion

Dr P.J.K. Conway | 26 June 2009

Dear Editor, I am deeply concerned that your excellent medical newspaper should accept advertisements from the Marie Stopes International Abortion Clinic. Abortion, no matter what its apologists claim, is the intentional and deliberate killing of a human person in its... Read more

Inside Back writer 'should be shot'

Dr David M Honan | 26 June 2009

Dear Editor, Your anonymous columnist ‘The Inside Back’ (www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/06/an_open_letter_to_anyone_who_o.html, June 19) has gone too far this time, suggesting that ‘anyone (sic) Irish person who opposes the Lisbon Treaty has a moral duty to run head-first into a cement wall as... Read more

Readership deserves apology for headline?

Dr Sean O'Domhnaill | 12 June 2009

Dear Editor, If there was a prize for disingenuity, the person responsible for your front-page article on the Medical Council’s guidelines on the ‘life’ issues should get it without delay! A Millward Brown IMS poll carried out on behalf of... Read more

Existing resources can help more addicts

Dr Patrick Troy | 12 June 2009

Dear Editor, In 1998, following the introduction of the Methadone Protocol Scheme, a number of general practitioners became specialised in the treatment of drug addicts — being committed to their care. The training was under the auspices of the ICGP,... Read more

HSE cuts costs if no lawyers are involved

Dr Seoighe Ni Rua | 12 June 2009

Dear Editor, They say you learn something new every day. I would like to take this opportunity to share my new-found knowledge with the readers of Irish Medical Times and perhaps recreate some disbelief, as was my initial reaction! A... Read more

A simple message for young doctors

RA Raja Ali | 02 June 2009

My dear young graduates, Let me begin with special congratulations to all young graduates from all medical schools in Ireland. I would to like to take this opportunity to convey a simple message to all of you, the future leaders... Read more

GPs must lead in pandemic preparation

Dr Mel Bates | 25 May 2009

Dear Editor, I wish to respond to a letter by Dr Ross Ardill in your May 8 letters page (www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/05/pandemic_preparation.html). I suspect the negativity expressed is due to a lack of information that we all suffered from in the past... Read more

Psychiatry and the medical model

Dr John Harding-Price | 14 May 2009

Dear Editor, The philosophy of the National Health Service is based on the highest moral standard applicable to a civilised, caring world. Unfortunately, it does not meet these standards. When these standards are flawed, people then in need are enmeshed... Read more

Pandemic preparation

Dr Ross Ardill | 11 May 2009

Dear Editor, I listened, somewhat bemused, to the announcement last week by the Minister for Health and her CMO that ‘Ireland is ready and prepared for a potential pandemic’ and that all doctors had been organised and equipped. As a... Read more

Rules change for GP reimbursement

Dr John Hastings | 11 May 2009

Dear Editor, I recently submitted my study and annual leave claims for 07/08 and 08/09 to the HSE for approval. Imagine my surprise when I received a letter from the Primary Care Manager stating: “Unfortunately, I have been advised by... Read more

Dr Mary Grehan will be missed

24 April 2009

Dear Editor, It was with great sadness that I read about the premature death of Dr Mary Grehan, the founder of the Association of General Practitioners (AGP). The news came as a great shock as I was unaware she had... Read more

First issue of IMT shows same problems as now

24 April 2009

Dear Sir, I was interested to see the reproduction of your first edition in today’s Irish Medical Times. Then, as now, difficulties between the profession and our political masters dominated your columns.... Read more

Moves on disarmament are to be welcomed

Dr Michael Fanning | 16 April 2009

Dear Editor, I welcome very much the American Government’s pledge of support to rid the world of nuclear weapons and its pledge through Barack Obama for the immediate ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.... Read more

GEM is equal to the traditional medicine courses

Dr Deirdre Fanning | 07 April 2009

Dear Editor, Re: ‘Medical Training – Anatomy is best learned on cadavers!’ (IMT, March 27, www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/03/anatomy_is_best_learned_on_cad.html. I wish to convey my concerns regarding the aforementioned article, which contains many aspects I believe to be unfounded and misleading. Firstly, the notions... Read more

Are hospitals with 'best performance' over-resourced?

Dr Gerard Crotty | 07 April 2009

Dear Editor, Your headline ‘Patient load varies hugely’ (IMT, March 27, www.imt.ie/news/2009/03/patient_load_varies_hugely.html) picks on one particular parameter in the HealthStat report that illustrates the difficulties inherent in interpreting this type of statistic. The number of new outpatients seen per WTE... Read more

Strategy for care in the north west is unworkable

Killian McLoughlin | 03 April 2009

Dear Editor The campaign for Sligo’s cancer services is very concerned about the results issued recently by the Health Service Executive’s own new hospital rating system. By its own criteria, University College Hospital Galway came in the bottom four out... Read more

Media must give positive images of breastfeeding

Nollaig Rowan | 03 April 2009

Dear Editor, One of the reasons, cited in a recent report, for low breastfeeding rates in Ireland (IMT 13.2.’09, www.imt.ie/news/2009/03/coombe_study_reveals_low_breas.html) is mothers’ embarrassment of breastfeeding in public places. Your article mentions the positive role media can play and I agree... Read more

Determining the Gospels' age

M.G. Salter | 03 April 2009

Dear Editor, I presume that Dr Masood, in his mention of the encounter between Christ and Satan (IMT March 6, www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/03/the_devil_is_in_the_detail_of.html), since he refers to Jesus as ‘the slave of God’ rather than the son, is using the Koran as... Read more

Generic prescribing needs simplification to improve rates

Dr Conor Grimes | 28 March 2009

Dear Editor, Generic prescribing should be the path of least resistance. I worked in general practice in Wales for many years and my surgery, like almost all others in the area, had generic prescribing rates in the region of 90... Read more

The 'Jade Goody' effect in general practice

Dr John O'Keeffe | 28 March 2009

Dear Editor, The ‘Jade Goody’ effect is being strongly felt in general practice, where younger women, and especially those from poorer social backgrounds, are requesting cervical screening. They attend our surgeries, wanting to look after themselves, only to be told... Read more

Keep coughers out of waiting rooms Dear Editor,

Dr Jutta O'Meara | 22 March 2009

How often this winter – be it in the supermarket or surgery – have you heard (or overheard) the phrase, ‘I’ve a terrible chest infection’, followed by, ‘I had to go to the doctor for an antibiotic’? Or, in the... Read more

Keep coughers out of waiting rooms Dear Editor,

Dr Jutta O'Meara | 22 March 2009

Clarification on Bible references

Dr A. Afolabi | 22 March 2009

Dear Editor, I read with keen interest and fascination the article written by Dr Barkat Masood [March 6, www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/03/the_devil_is_in_the_detail_of.html]. It is quite an insightful article and the effort that went into it must be commended. However, there are a few... Read more

Income cuts target vital educational training

Dr David Moloney | 13 March 2009

Dear Editor, We, the trainers of Ireland’s future GPs, deplore the recent income cuts affecting our trainees, which target vital educational aspects of their training. We acknowledge that everyone needs to make a contribution in these difficult times. These contributions... Read more

What's the difference?

Dr Michael Joyce | 13 March 2009

Dear Editor, I have often wondered about the difference in treatment of GPs compared to pharmacists in relation to invalid medical cards. There is no doubt that if a medical card is invalid, the GP is not paid – whether... Read more

Effectiveness most important factor

Dr Mel Gilmartin | 10 March 2009

Dear Editor, I refer to Dr Graham Fry’s letter in IMT on Feb 20 (www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/02/tmb_provides_vaccine_on_nonpro.html) under the title ‘TMB provides vaccine on non-profit basis’. There are two vaccines available to protect against cervical cancer, Cervarix and Gardasil. Cervarix provides protection... Read more

Patients should get acknowledgment of GP hospital referrals

Dr Fabian Akamnonu | 03 March 2009

Dear Editor, Today, a patient of mine who had a referral to a local hospital came in wondering why she had not heard from the hospital regarding her appointment. Moreover, she had tried several times to contact the department to... Read more

Recession should not force us into 'reform'

Marie O'Connor | 02 March 2009

Dear Editor, Recent interviews given by Prof Tom Keane suggest that recession may soon be utilised as a form of electric shock therapy to force us to accept health ‘reform’. He has portrayed Canada as a country with no private... Read more

Cutbacks affect kids' future prospects

Pauline Moylan | 23 February 2009

Dear Editor, Let me introduce you to Peter (age 11), Mikey (age 9) and Eve (age 7). They live at 19 St Brigid’s Grove. All three children suffer from a rare metabolic disorder known as glutaric aciduria type 1, of... Read more

TMB provides vaccine on non-profit basis

Dr Graham Fry | 23 February 2009

Dear Editor, I write in reply to Dr Michael O’Brien’s letter (IMT, Feb 6, 2009, see www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/02/gps_need_to_make_a_stand_to_ge.html) regarding the price at which the Tropical Medical Bureau (TMB) is providing the Cervarix vaccine. We made a decision to offer the HPV... Read more

€75 levy is 'a disgrace'

Margaret Mullett | 10 February 2009

Dear Editor, I am writing as chairperson of the Irish Haemovigilance Association (IHA) on behalf of the board and the 1,200 members of the Association. The IHA is very shocked to learn that the Blood mobile from the Irish Blood... Read more

Information sought

Laura Kelly | 09 February 2009

Dear Editor, I am a second-year history of medicine PhD student at the National University of Ireland, Galway, studying early women medical students and doctors in Ireland in the period 1877-1922. My PhD thesis examines attitudes towards women in medicine... Read more

GPs need to make a stand to get the best vaccine deals

D Michael O'Brien | 09 February 2009

Dear Editor, Congratulations to the tropical medical bureau for getting front page news recently on the Irish Times health supplement announcing that it was offering the cervical cancer vaccine, all in, for €390. According to its website it is charging... Read more

Quest for results as patients have to wait

Dr Mary Slevin | 09 February 2009

Dear Editor, Our Cervical Smear Campaign is now in full swing since September 2008. We, the GPs, are getting results within the four weeks as promised. However, the patients are not getting their results. Patients who had their smears done... Read more

College of Psychiatry – a truly commendable step

Dr Amin A. Muhammad | 30 January 2009

Dear Editor, About fifteen years back, I as a trainee in the Irish psychiatric system wrote a letter to Irish Medical Times about the need for a separate college of psychiatry. The other day, the news came to me as... Read more

Ban is 'cruel and degrading' to smokers

Dr Brendan O’Reilly | 29 January 2009

Dear Editor, [Dr] Fenton Howell’s letter, ‘St Vincent’s to be commended’ [January 16, www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/01/st_vincents_to_be_commended.html], requires comment. This letter relates to the imposition of a total ban on smoking within the confines of the grounds of St Vincent’s from January 1... Read more

Hospital infections are not being tackled effectively

Dr Teresa Grahan | 27 January 2009

Dear Editor, It is distressing that seven hospitals are now closed to visitors because of the norovirus infection (winter vomiting bug), but the complacency with which this news is greeted is even more distressing. The presence of this infection in... Read more

Health literacy needs to be addressed

Don McCormick | 26 January 2009

Dear Editor, I saw your news item, ‘Health literacy won’t wait’ at http://www.imt.ie/news/2009/01/health_literacy_wont_wait.html. It’s wonderful that you are recognising health literacy initiatives, such as those you listed in the article. I would be interested in seeing the results of your... Read more

The importance of post-graduate research in psychiatry

Dr Mabifa Olasunkanmi | 16 January 2009

Dear Editor, Most clinicians will agree that research is an essential part of the training of young physicians. Research training is thought to help develop critical thinking. Some feel that research in psychiatry is vital to the stability and continuing... Read more

Comments 'offensive'

Dr Aislinn Donovan | 16 January 2009

Dear Editor, I was absolutely appalled to hear Dr Mark Hamilton discuss a patient he had seen in A&E on the Tubridy Tonight show on 10/01/2009. I found that the comments he made about his patient both offensive and ageist.... Read more

St Vincent's to be commended

Fenton Howell | 16 January 2009

Dear Editor, Congratulations to St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin for being the first of the newly designated cancer centres to make their campus completely smoke free as and from January 1, 2009. Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, a leader in the... Read more

Doctors should make views known

Patrick Carr | 16 January 2009

Dear Editor, As some of your readers will be aware, the Law Reform Commission (www.lawreform.ie) is conducting a consultation on advance care directives. In an age where patient autonomy has been elevated to the supreme good which trumps all others,... Read more

Paramedics are well trained — but scarce

Prof W Arthus Tanner | 13 January 2009

Dear Editor, I enjoy reading Illona Duffy’s spirited defence of Monaghan Hospital. However, I cannot let her disparaging remarks about Advanced Paramedics go unchallenged. To qualify for admission to an Advanced Paramedic programme one has to already be an Emergency... Read more

Diabetes guidelines and the use of aspirin

Dr Velma Harkins | 12 January 2009

Dear Editor, I wish to reply to Dr Ray O’Connor’s comments, published in the 5/12/’08 issue, regarding diabetes guidelines and the use of aspirin in primary prevention (www.imt.ie/opinion/2008/12/the_use_of_aspirin_in_treating.html). Dr O’Connor rightly points out the emerging evidence from the POPADAD study... Read more

Medics must speak out on service cuts

F Lennon | 08 January 2009

Dear Editor, I refer to the feature article by Dr Illona Duffy on hospital services in the 28/11/’08 issue (www.imt.ie/opinion/2008/11/medics_cannot_stand_by_in_sile.html). Her views are shared by many of her GP, nursing and consultant colleagues in the north east. It is vocational... Read more

GPSSA issues on pay

Dr Garrett McGovern | 17 December 2008

Dear Editor, General Practitioners Specialising in Substance Abuse (GPSSAs) met in Cherry Orchard Hospital on Tuesday, December 2. GPSSAs at the meeting expressed concern that a pay increase of 15 per cent, which they were assured would be implemented from... Read more

Minister is inconsistent

Dr Oliver Whyte | 16 December 2008

Dear Editor, Isn’t it strange that the Minister of Health wants to talk to ‘the doctors’ about drugs savings when a scheme (the Indicative Drugs Savings Scheme), which was set up to do this was, for some inexplicable reason, abandoned... Read more

Refunding vaccine

Dr John O'Keefe | 15 December 2008

Dear Editor, This morning I was asked by a patient, whose daughter was with her to have a Gardasil vaccination, why she could not claim a refund from her insurance with Hibernian Health, previously known as Vivas. She said that... Read more

Issues arising from study need examination

Dr Neville Wilson | 06 December 2008

Dear Editor, JUSTIFICATION FOR THE USE OF STATINS IN PRIMARY PREVENTION – re: the JUPITER Study report — (IMT, Issue 21.11.08) – has not been established in the Jupiter study, despite the reported claims of benefit by the study spokespersons.... Read more

The use of aspirin in treating diabetes

Dr Ray O'Connor | 05 December 2008

Dear Editor, I wish to comment on the use of aspirin in Dr Velma Harkins’ excellent review article on type 2 diabetes. She is quite correct to say that current recommendations suggest that aspirin be used even in the absence... Read more

Cervical Screening scheme doesn't work well — GP

Dr Jutta O'Meara | 04 December 2008

Dear Editor, At the inception of the National Cervical Screening Programme I had misgivings about contracting into a scheme which outsourced abroad. I therefore consulted with my local IMO GP liaison officer for advice as to what was IMO policy... Read more

Noble cause still takes human lives

Richard C. Shanahan | 27 November 2008

Dear Editor, Having read the article in the 14 November issue of Irish Medical Times, entitled ‘UCC’s code of practice for stem cells’. (www.imt.ie/opinion/2008/11/uccs_code_of_practice_for_stem.html), I am jolted into the question, what are they doing with MY college? They produce a... Read more

Dispensing in surgeries

Dr Oliver Whyte | 25 November 2008

Dear Editor, In keeping with the pharmacists’ desire to enhance patient service and convenience and to encourage efficiency, would it not be more effective for GPs to dispense on the spot in the surgery after a consultation by either direct... Read more

Address GP shortages

25 November 2008

Dear Editor, With the ongoing shortage of GPs and the increasing number of medical cards being issued, radical action needs to be taken: 1. Reduce trainees’ training time from four to three years; 2. Encourage young doctors to work in... Read more

Providing fully qualified and cost-effective locums

David Van Der Vegt | 22 November 2008

Dear Editor, With regard to story published in IMT’s 14.11.08 issue, ‘Agencies failing to follow HSE locum guidelines?’: Healthcare providers, including medical manpower managers within the HSE, are under continuing pressure to control the costs of the services they provide.... Read more

Guidelines do not bring reassurance

Dr Jhn Kehoe | 21 November 2008

Dear Editor, Reading about the assurances of ‘strict guidelines drawn up by the University Research Ethics Board’ at UCC regarding experimentation and manipulation of human embryos in IMT (14/11/2008) did not bring me much comfort. To use stem cell lines... Read more

Caucasian GPs should 'not have the monopoly'

Dr Patricia S Black | 20 November 2008

Dear Editor, This morning I watch with joy the electoral victory of Barack Obama for the next president of America. It is particularly resounding to me and I’m sure to many others around the world. I look at the present... Read more

Excessively emotive language often used against ECT

Dr Robert Daly | 10 November 2008

Dear Editor, In the article ‘ECT debate continues in the Seanad’ (IMT 17/10/’08 or see www.imt.ie/clinical/mental-health-cns/ect-debate-continues-in-the-se-1.html), Dr Michael Corry comments on a research publication authored by Dr Harold Sackeim and colleagues (‘The cognitive effects of ECT in community settings’, Neuropsychopharmacology... Read more

'Double punishment' under current rules

Dr M. Bhamjee | 29 October 2008

A doctor can be reported to the Council for misconduct in violation of traffic rules e.g. parking fines, speeding or any other civil issue not related to medical practice. These civil offences should not be seen as misconduct as they... Read more

GPs need sustainable practices to treat patients

29 October 2008

The following is a copy of a letter sent last Thursday to Mr Eddie Sullivan of the Department of Health and Children, in relation to capitation payment for people over 70 in the GMS: Dear Mr Sullivan, I am writing... Read more

ECT treatment is right in some cases

Brian O'Shea | 28 October 2008

Dear Sir, Dr Michael Corry (IMT, October 17, page 40, www.imt.ie/clinical/mental-health-cns/ect-debate-continues-in-the-se-1.html) continues to wage war on ECT. His crusade against the so-called ‘medical model’ (now subsumed under the broader ‘bio-psycho-social’ approach of modern psychiatry) goes back many years. Some readers... Read more

Landmarks in Irish general practice

Dr Cliona Ryan | 27 September 2008

Dear Sir, Congratulations to Dr John Ball, Dr Shane McKeogh and the ICGP on the first National Conference for Establishing General Practitioners and on the publication of Signposts to Success — a Handbook for the Establishing General Practitioner. Both, I... Read more

Dealing with the effects of and the services for Alzheimer's disease

Mrs N. R. Downey | 16 September 2008

Dear Editor, Thank you for the supplement on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia (Irish Medical Times, 29/8/’08). My mother has dementia for almost ten years now. We have accessed most of the services mentioned in the articles, with the GP and... Read more

Government abandoning referendum promise?

Alan Shatter TD | 16 September 2008

Dear Editor, Minister Barry Andrews is wrong when he claims that a referendum is not necessary to achieve the highest level of protection for our children. The Minister is publicly misrepresenting the legal position, as well as the advice given... Read more

Dr Garrett Hayes on St James's catchment area

Dr Garrett Hayes | 08 September 2008

Re: Referrals to St James’s Hospital Dear Ms Hardiman, I am in receipt of your (undated and unsigned) letter regarding access to dermatology services at the hospital. I totally reject your letter and its contents. I have been in practice... Read more

The Solution: A letter to the Irish Medical Times

Dr Garrett Hayes | 08 September 2008

Dear Editor, I am writing to you to express my concern at the unilateral decision by the Executive and Dermatology Consultants and teams to refuse access to public patients at the dermatology clinics outside their defined catchment areas. This came... Read more

Catchment areas do exist for dermatology services

Eilis Hardiman | 08 September 2008

Re: Access to the Dermatology Service Dear Doctor, We acknowledge receipt of your recent referral to the dermatology service at St James’s Hospital.... Read more

Missing out on outpatients

Dr Oliver Lynn | 26 August 2008

Dear Editor, I read recently that almost 20 per cent of patients don’t show up for hospital appointments. The estimated cost of this process is €7 million. This is astonishing! As a practising vasectomist, for 20 years we have got... Read more

Taxpayers paying for NTPF tummy-tucks

Dr Damian Rutledge | 26 August 2008

Dear Editor, I wish to congratulate the Minister for Health and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) on great use of our considerable resources! Yesterday I had a patient who had a breast reduction paid for under the NTPF last... Read more

Will HPV vaccine promote under-age sex in young girls?

26 August 2008

Dear Sir, The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, announced on August 5, 2008, that she has asked the HSE to prepare and submit a plan for the introduction of a human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination plan for 12-year-old... Read more

Will HSE accept responsibility?

Dr M Bhamjee | 26 August 2008

Dear Editor, The cited reports (IMT, 15-22 August, www.imt.ie/news/2008/08/commission_says_no_to_safety_a.html) appear to be about patient safety in the medical realm only. But the source of patient safety could be due to management not employing secretaries to write reports, no social workers,... Read more

Vitamin D and the dementia debate

Frederick N. Dyer, Ph.D. | 15 August 2008

Dear Editor, There are anecdotal reports that boosting the typical very low levels of vitamin D in dementia patients reduced their dementia.... Read more

Creating a fair insurance system

Dr John Barton | 15 August 2008

Dear Editor, Dr Mick Molloy, writing on the crisis in health insurance in the 25 July issue (www.imt.ie/opinion/2008/07/courts_decision_will_finally_s.html) has possibly inadvisedly placed himself in the BUPA health insurance camp when it comes to competition in health insurance.... Read more

A submission by IDEA to the EPA

Dr Elizabeth Cullen | 01 August 2008

The following letter has been sent to the Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of IDEA. A chara, In the light of the fact that many organochlorine compounds are fat-soluble and not easily biodegraded, they are persistent and bioaccumulative, and bio-magnify... Read more

Call for entries for ophthalmology prize

26 June 2008

Dear Editor, I would be grateful if you would advise your readers of a newly- established prize for European ophthalmologists, including Irish ophthalmologists. EuroTimes, the journal of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), has launched the John... Read more

Private screening costs

24 June 2008

Dear Editor, We would like to forward a price list from one of the local private clinics which may be of interest to GPs all over the country. We suspect that most GPs offer almost the exact same service for... Read more

AIDS articles mislead

Dr De Cock, Dr De Lay | 20 June 2008

Dear Editor, We wish to clarify misinterpretations concerning WHO and UNAIDS positions on the status of the AIDS epidemic in recent articles in the national media. A recent story in the Independent on Sunday, for example (titled: ‘Threat of world... Read more

GPs or Gatekeepers?

Dr Kevin Quinn | 20 June 2008

Dear Editor, Dr Paul Heslin’s opinion in 6 June’s IMT (www.imt.ie/news/2008/06/do_referral_letters_have_a_fun.html) that referral is something that should be considered redundant and perhaps it is time for the profession to move on is, I assume, designed to provoke thought and response... Read more

Condemnation of laser deregulation

14 June 2008

Dear Editor, The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors (BACD) have jointly condemned the proposal to deregulate the use of lasers in ‘non-healthcare’ treatment and have launched a petition calling on the UK... Read more

Concern of Dublin AIDS Alliance over increase in STI infections

14 June 2008

Dear Editor, The Health Protection Surveillance Centre’s latest figures, contained in the Sexually Transmitted Infections 2006 report has noted an increase in the number of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) in half of the country’s health regions. This rise in STIs is... Read more

Urgent need for staffing of mental health teams

06 June 2008

Dear Editor, The Mental Health Commission (MHC) wishes to express its concern that while progress in the performance and quality of care in approved centres throughout the country has been made, considerable improvements are still necessary. The provisions of the... Read more

'Tainted' study results should be made public

04 June 2008

Dear Editor, Regarding ‘the long-awaited and disappointing results from the ENHANCE study’, as referred to in the recent article ‘Targeting cardiovascular benefits’ (IMT, issue 09/05/’08 — see www.imt.ie/clinical/cardiovascular/targeting-cardiovascular-benef.html): The evidence emanating from the ENHANCE trial was concealed for two years... Read more

Task Force Report must now be implemented

04 June 2008

Dear Editor, The Emergency Department Task Force Report was published by the HSE on 1 June 2007. It had been completed on 8 December 2006 but lay on HSE senior managers’ desks for six months. The recommendations of the Task... Read more

Six-point plan for a better health service

28 May 2008

Dear Editor, Despite the promises made by Health Minister Mary Harney when she set it up, the HSE has shifted from patient care to being budget driven. It is time to put the patient back at the centre of the... Read more

Walk-in service still open

28 May 2008

Dear Editor, An article published in Irish Medical Journal April 2008, Vol 101, No 4, ( 116-118) may have conveyed the impression that the walk-in service for ophthalmic emergencies to the Accident and Emergency of the Royal Victoria Eye and... Read more

Ageist poster campaign is seriously flawed

28 May 2008

Dear Editor, The Health Service Executive (HSE) and the National Council on Ageing and Older People and the Equality Authority should immediately withdraw their current series of offensive and inappropriate posters. The extraordinarily insensitive posters, part of the ‘Say No... Read more

The cheque is in the post — it's just not a very big one!

30 April 2008

Dear Editor, A few years ago, I was ‘awarded’ a contract to provide services to members of An Post, when their regular GP retired. Initially, I was quite pleased to provide this service to our four local postmen, particularly when... Read more

The 'Crown Affair' continues on Late Late

30 April 2008

Dear Editor, I viewed with a mixture of interest and bemusement the performance of Dr John Crown on the Late Late Show last Friday night (18/04/2008). As always when he speaks about the state of the health service, he was... Read more

Honoured by nomination

30 April 2008

Dear Editor, In my response to comments from a psychiatric colleague also running under the ‘Other’ category in the Medical Council election: I have the honour to be nominated by distinguished medical specialists in Cardiology, Surgery, Public Health and General... Read more

ICGP email not the most appropriate way to canvass

30 April 2008

Dear Editor, I think it most unusual that a member of the ICGP Council should use the email list of the ICGP to canvass support. It is regrettable if there is any misapprehension on the part of the ICGP with... Read more

Sligo GPs back local cancer service

25 April 2008

This letter was sent by the County Sligo General Practitioners Society to the Minister for Health Mary Harney. Re: The National Cancer Strategy Dear Minister, The County Sligo GP Society was founded in 1978 and draws membership from GPs working... Read more

Medical Practitioners Act spurs doctor to become candidate

25 April 2008

Dear Editor, I have put forward my name for election to the Medical Council, as I feel that the Medical Practitioners Act (2007) has further marginalised doctors from the treatment of their patients. This is illustrated in a number of... Read more

Saddened by spoiled vote on Medical Council

25 April 2008

Dear Editor, I was saddened to read Dr Neil Brennan’s letter to IMT (Letters 18.04.08, www.imt.ie/opinion/2008/04/no_faith_in_system_of_election.html) and his admission that he had spoiled his vote. However, that said, I understand his logic, desperate though I believe his action to have... Read more

Galway MSF meeting

17 April 2008

Dear Editor, Medecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is holding an Information Evening in Galway on Wednesday 23rd April at 7.30pm at the Galway One World Centre, Bridge Mills, Dominick Street. We will be very happy to meet you there and tell... Read more

No faith in system of election

17 April 2008

Dear Editor, I have just received my ballot paper for the election of doctors to the places allotted for them on the new Medical Council. I am a believer in the democratic process and normally always exercise my right to... Read more

'Don't close our local hospital' — Clare GP

08 April 2008

Dear Editor, The ongoing crisis in the Irish Health Service is about to be compounded by Government allowing the HSE to proceed with the closure of acute medical services in our peripheral hospital system. This process is starting in the... Read more

New organisation formed to advance cosmetic medicine

08 April 2008

Dear Editor, I would like to inform your readership about the formation of a new organisation which is called ‘The Irish Association of Cosmetic Doctors’. The aim of the association is the advancement of safe and ethical cosmetic medicine, through... Read more

Elections to Council

08 April 2008

Dear Editor, I would like to bring to your readers’ attention the fact that the Medical Council Membership Support Committee (MCMSC) is endorsing Dr Sean O Domhnaill and Dr Richardson Assaf in their respective bids to be elected to the... Read more

GP asks for support in campaign for seat on the Medical Council

08 April 2008

Dear Editor, I have been asked to stand for election to the Medical Council. I would like to ask you for your vote and support at a time of change for the medical profession. The Medical Practitioners Act 2007 reflects... Read more

Factual inaccuracies

04 April 2008

Dear Sir, I read with both interest and concern the article by Dr Arshad in Irish Medical Times 14 March, on cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition of major importance, particularly as Ireland has the highest incidence of... Read more

Advice for Prof Drumm, Prof Keane and Minister Mary Harney

30 March 2008

Dear Editor, Gareth Hayes’s recent critique in Irish Medical Times of the proposed new cervical smear contract should be compulsory reading for Prof. Brendan Drumm, Prof. Tom Keane, Mary Harney and the undoubted plethora of managers who would be involved... Read more

Prescribing in the UK not quite what Hannon suggests

18 March 2008

Dear Editor, I certainly agree with the main thrust of Dr Mark Hannon’s piece on drugs [‘Drugs and the truth behind the headlines’, IMT 19 Feb. See www.imt.ie/opinion/2008/02/drugs_and_the_truth_behind_the.html] but I need to point out two wee errors… Errors which just... Read more

GP prescribing not safe for elderly?

18 March 2008

Dear Editor, Age Action is concerned by two recent studies which found that older patients in Ireland were receiving inappropriate medications. We believe that the findings must result in a review being undertaken into the on-going pharmacological training received by... Read more

NCSS 'grateful' for Dr Hayes' feedback

18 March 2008

Dear Editor, I refer to the letter from Dr Garrett Hayes setting out his submission to the NCSS in response to our call for comments on the Draft Smear Taker Contract. The NCSS is grateful to Dr Hayes and the... Read more

Who is Ireland's oldest doctor?

14 March 2008

Dear Editor, I would like to ask for your help to find the oldest doctor in Ireland. Please ask your readers to nominate their candidate for the ‘Ireland’s Oldest Working Person’ awards 2008. In association with Friends of the Elderly... Read more

Council elections loom

Dr Seán Ó Domhnaill, | 14 March 2008

Dear Editor, As you have recently reported, the appointment of the new Medical Council in its new format, with a politically-appointed majority, is to take place within the next six weeks. The new Council will have 12 medical representatives and... Read more

Questions over Portlaoise affair

14 March 2008

Dear Editor, The conclusion by Dr Ann O’Doherty in her report on Portlaoise that “the safety, quality and standard of many aspects of breast imaging service…fell well below achievable best imaging practice and that this resulted in a significant and... Read more

Reader unimpressed with ageist attitude

05 March 2008

Dear Editor, I witnessed your appearance on ‘TV3 Nightly News with Vincent Browne’ last week and I must say — as the mother of several doctors — I was disappointed to see the Editor of Irish Medical Times refer to... Read more

Draft contract 'should be binned'

05 March 2008

Dear Editor, The Irish Cancer Screening Service has issued a draft contract for GPs on its web site and had invited GPs to respond before 28th February 2008. (IMT readers can view the contract at http://www.icsp.ie/about_us/the_national_cancer_screening_service__board.450.html). I have spent some... Read more

Castletownbere sticks cause controversy

26 February 2008

Dear Editor, I am intrigued by your front-page article (22 Feb) on INR testing in general practice using a Coaguchek meter. Your correspondent quotes a rural GP in Castletownbere as stating that her 532 annual INR tests cost her a... Read more

Scheme coverage no consolation

26 February 2008

Dear Editor, I write in relation to Greg Baxter’s article in Irish Medical Times of 14 December 2007 on ‘Nurse prescribing has radical implications’. The writer tried to reassure with the statement that consultant trainers who face liability for mistakes... Read more

GPs wanted, GPs available

26 February 2008

Dear Editor, In the 15 February issue of Irish Medical Times, in the classified advertisements section, I see that there are 26 advertisements seeking GPs and three advertisements from GPs seeking employment. If this is a reflection of GP supply... Read more

Prenatal screening and abortion facts

19 February 2008

Dear Editor, I was dismayed to read yet another example of the deceit practised within the medical profession around the issue of prenatal screening and abortion (‘A case of optimism in obstetrics.’ 25.01.08). I have no problem that a woman... Read more

Wakefield replies to post on IMT website

19 February 2008

Dear Editor, With regard to your article, ‘More evidence dismisses link betwen MMR and autism’ in the Irish Medical Times, (www.imt.ie/blogs/irish-Medical-Times- Blog/2008/02/more-evidence-dismisses-link-b.html), I am sending you the official response from Dr Andrew Wakefield and colleagues below. — Richard Miles. Response... Read more

ASH disapppointed by response of Dept to ban in cars

Dr Fenton Howell | 07 February 2008

Dear Editor, It is disappointing to note the response by the Department of Health and Children to the call from ASH Ireland to ban smoking in cars carrying children up to 16 years of age. The Department believes, without any... Read more

Colour cards to halt rise in hyperthermia

Eamon Timmons | 07 February 2008

Dear Editor, Age Action is urging members of the general public to be good neighbours by keeping an eye out for their older relatives, friends and neighbours during the current freezing weather. We would also ask members of the medical... Read more

GP manpower shortage

Dr Alan Moran | 07 February 2008

Dear Editor, I heartily agree with the comments made by Dr Paul Mc Carthy et al in the February edition of Irish Medical Times. Alan Moran, GP, Drogheda... Read more

Ban TV ads before 9pm

Michael O’Shea, Chief Executive, Irish Heart Foundation, 4 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 | 01 February 2008

Dear Editor, Following the release of the National Teens’ Food Survey, which showed that more than half of Irish teenagers exceed the recommended salt and fat intake, the Irish Heart Foundation is calling for immediate action at government level to... Read more

North-east struggling to maintain service

Dr Paul McCarthy, Dundalk, Chairman, IMO North Eastern GP Branch. Dr Shane Corr, Carrickmacross, Secretary, IMO North Eastern GP Branch. Dr Illona Duffy, Monaghan, IMO National GP Committee Member. | 01 February 2008

Dear Editor, We would like to draw your readers’ attention to two motions which the North Eastern GP branch (counties Monaghan, Cavan, Louth and Meath) of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has submitted for discussion at its AGM this Spring.... Read more

1/3 of foster children have no social worker

Alan Shatter TD, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 25 January 2008

Dear Editor, A recent independent report revealed that a third of all children in foster care in the north east do not have a dedicated social worker. This report raises concerns on a number of fronts, including: the failure of... Read more

Minister to control the Medical Council

Phelim Donnelly, MD. FRCPI, Secretary, Local Authority Medical Specialists Co. Ltd | 18 January 2008

Dear Editor, In view of the present negotiations on review of the Consultant Common Contract, on behalf of the Local Authority Medical Specialists (LAMS), I would like to express our full support for the Irish Medical Organisation and for the... Read more

Specialised practice makes perfect sense

Dr David Buckley, The Ashe Street Clinic, Tralee, Co Kerry | 18 January 2008

Dear Editor, I would like to comment on Dr Adam Smith’s letter to the Irish Medical Times, dated 2 November, 2007, when he stated “hopefully the new specialist registrar will also prevent non-specialists from running consultants’ clinics”. I am assuming... Read more

Is the pneumococcal vaccine a good idea?

Dr James Stacey, Monang, Dungarvan | 11 January 2008

Dear Editor, I am concerned about the coming introduction of pneumococcal vaccine into the immunisation schedule for healthy children. The current vaccine for persons aged two years upward is Pneumovax II and is not recommended for healthy people. It is... Read more

Dead weight sighted on route to Oireachtas

Dr Peter Noone, Consultant Occupational Physician, Health Service Executive, Dublin North East | 11 January 2008

Dear Editor, The Department of Health and Children (DoHC) apparently paid out €80 million to settle legal cases this year, but this figure does not include compensation paid by the Health Service Executive (HSE), which is also believed to run... Read more

GPs have a role in schizophrenia care

Dr Caragh Behan, DETECT, 1 Marine Terrace, Dun Laoghaire | 04 January 2008

Dear Editor, We were delighted by the interest shown by Irish Medical Times in the findings of our presentation at the Irish College of Psychiatrists Winter Meeting in November this year. However we were more than a little surprised by... Read more

Research- the nuclear option

Dr MG Salter, Kilmacanogue, Co. Wicklow | 04 January 2008

Dear Editor, Terence Cosgrave seems to imply that there should be no ethical or other constraints on research. Prior to the detonation of the first atomic bomb the scientists involved calculated that there was a 3 per cent chance that... Read more

Science should always have ethical basis for research

Patrick Carr, Family and Life, 26 Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1 | 04 January 2008

Dear Editor, Terence Cosgrave misrepresents and grossly oversimplifies the debate on stem cell research in a manner which has become commonplace in the mass media, but one which it is disappointing to see in a professional journal (‘Let science do... Read more

Full NLite details

Dr C Dupont, Consultant Dermatologist, 18 Merlyn Road, Dublin 4 | 14 December 2007

Dear Editor, If Dr David Buckley (30.11.07) had read anything but the title of my letter to Irish Medical Times (5.10.07) he would have seen that I said the placebo response to laser treatment is unquestionable. It is high time... Read more

GPs assessments– the point was?

Dr John Kehoe, Blessington Road, Naas, Co Kildare | 14 December 2007

Dear Editor, The headline on the front page of Irish Medical Times, 30.11.07 ‘Thousands of patients assessed their GPs’ could equally have read ‘Thousands of GPs couldn’t have been bothered asking their patients to assess them’, or ‘Medical Council foists... Read more

Fewer meetings and with more structure

Prof Michael Fitzgerald, Henry Marsh Professor Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, TCD | 14 December 2007

Dear Editor, One of the best articles I have ever read in Irish Medical Times was published last week called ‘Consultant Meetings are the biggest time-wasters of all’. Greg Baxter could have added that 80 per cent of other meetings... Read more

GP non-compliance with CA scheme needs questioning

Dr Seán Ó Domhnaill, MRCPsych. Consultant Psychiatrist, Sallins, Co Kildare | 14 December 2007

Dear Editor, I am surprised by Dr Quigley’s description of the Medical Practitioners Act as “quite good” (IMT 30.11.07). He seems to have had a Pauline conversion in recent weeks, perhaps with the election to the Medical Council appearing imminent.... Read more

Vaccination systems are efficient

Dr Teresa McSweeney and Dr Aine O’Sullivan, Dept of Community Health, Kerry Community Services | 07 December 2007

Dear Editor, With regard to the article Vaccination in schools is a mess (Irish Medical Times, 9 November 2007), we wish to point out that this is not the case in all areas. While it may reflect the personal experience... Read more

Sub Sahara still needs our help

Dr Catherine Conlon, ICROSS | 07 December 2007

Dear Editor, The latter half of the twentieth century has been characterised by more striking changes than ever before. The world’s population has doubled from three to six billion. Economic disparities have widened dramatically with billions of people now living... Read more

Another report for the shelves? Yes, is the simple answer

Harold A Maio American Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Advisory Board member, Ft Myers, Florida 33907, USA | 07 December 2007

Dear Editor, The Irish Medical Times article Another report for the shelves? (23 November) has the answer in its title– just drop the question mark. The National Economic and Social Forum report on Mental Health and Social Inclusion fails to... Read more

New treatment gives results

Dr Patrick Treacy, Medical Director, Ailesbury Clinics Ltd., Suite 6, Merrion Court, Ailesbury Road, Dublin 4. | 07 December 2007

Dear Editor, At the risk of taking the “acne and laser” argument to another level, Irish Medical Times readers should be aware of a new quick and painless technology combining IPL broadband light and photopneumatics. This was rated as one... Read more

Laser treatment is more cost effective than acne medicine

Dr David Buckley, Solas Dermatology and Laser Clinic, The Ashe Street Clinic, Ashe Street, Tralee, Co Kerry | 30 November 2007

Dear Editor, While I agree with Dr Dupont’s letter in Irish Medical Times, dated 5/10/2007, that the response of acne to laser is “unquestionable”, I strongly disagree with his comment that laser treatment is not cost effective. In fact, in... Read more

'Lotto' entry to medical school

Paul J Cannon, Professor Emeritus, Glenageary, Co Dublin | 30 November 2007

Dear Editor, As someone who has taken an interest in medical school entry for several years, I was extremely interested to hear the speech made by Dr Ferdinand von Prondzynski, Dublin City University’s President, advocating a drastic overhaul of university... Read more

Centres of excellence need to be done 'right'

Dr Michael Thornton, 3 Doogary, Breaffy Road, Castlebar, Co Mayo | 30 November 2007

Dear Editor, The HSE intends to centralise cancer services in eight regional ‘Centres of Excellence’. Many hospitals already have had their breast cancer service discontinued and there are plans to discontinue services in further hospitals. The HSE states that British... Read more

€300,000 awarded by the court did not cover loss of earnings

Mr Ibrahim Ahmed, Consultant Surgeon, 10 Kilminchy Close, Portlaoise, Co Laois | 23 November 2007

Dear Editor, I refer to the article published by Mr Ed Madden on 26 October in relation to my case in the High Court in July 2007. First, I would like to thank Mr Madden and the Irish Medical Times... Read more

NTPF loophole reports 'completely inaccurate'

Donnchadh O’Neill, Gibney Communications, 22-24 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2 | 23 November 2007

Dear Editor, Reports of a ‘loophole’ in the health system in which public patients supposedly receive private treatment through the NTPF after purposely cancelling a public appointment are completely inaccurate and misleading. Patients are not “cashing in on the NTPF... Read more

Barnardos and Friends of the Elderly join up for Christmas Fun Run

Dermot Kirwan, Friends of the Elderly, 25 Bolton Street, Dublin 1 | 16 November 2007

Dear Editor, The ‘Circle of Life’ 10K Christmas Fun Run will be held in Marley Park, at 10am on Sunday 16 December. Barnardos and Friends of the Elderly have got together to hold the Fun Run and encourage companies to... Read more

Shock at the decision to discontinue smear tests in Galway labs

Jan O’Sullivan TD, Labour Party Spokesperson on Health | 16 November 2007

Dear Editor, The decision by University College Hospital Galway to discontinue the examination of smear tests submitted by doctors in the south east region of the country is a shocking development and one of the worst instances of the impact... Read more

HSE denies the reality of cutbacks

Senator Phil Prendergast, Labour Party Senator for Tipperary South | 16 November 2007

Dear Editor, The Health Service Consultative Forum was established under the Health Act 2004 and comprises of Councillors from Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, Waterford, Carlow and Kilkenny– thirty-nine in total. At a meeting of the Forum (HSE South) on Thursday, 8... Read more

Stitched up by the HSE

Dr Martin Fitzgerald, Co Clare | 09 November 2007

Dear Editor, I remember attending an IMO meeting in Limerick a number of years ago when the late, great Dr Cormac McNamara– asked for a show of hands from doctors who were still suturing in their practices. The majority of... Read more

Call for Mayo's breast cancer services to remain

Emer O’Byrne, PRO, Irish Practice Nurses Association, 42 Fr Griffin Road, Galway | 09 November 2007

A Chara, We, the members of the IPNA, have learnt with dismay of the proposed transfer of symptomatic breast services from Mayo General Hospital to University College Hospital Galway (UCHG) which is to be 90 per cent completed by the... Read more

Obituary of Dr Michael Twomey

John Harding Price | 09 November 2007

The sudden death of Dr Michael Twomey (70) at his home in Cumbria on 21 September is a loss to the mental health services, as well as to his family. Michael was born in Kent– fourth in a family of... Read more

4Basra initiative is for a very good cause

John Reynolds, 4Basra Founder, 9 Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2 | 09 November 2007

Dear Editor, For most Irish doctors and nurses, the daily battle to save lives doesn’t begin until they reach their workplace. In the southern Iraqi city of Basra however– about 600km south of the capital Baghdad– it’s a battle just... Read more

No services for children with eating disorders

Deirdre Clune TD, Fine Gael, Cork South Central, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 02 November 2007

Dear Editor, The 2006 report, A Vision for Change, estimated that 200,000 people are affected by eating disorders in Ireland with about 4,000 people suffering from anorexia and 15,000 from bulimia. While these eating disorders are more prevalent among females... Read more

Compassion, and not judgement, is needed for substance abusers

Edward A Parkes, Sligo | 02 November 2007

Dear Editor, Ed Madden’s report on the anaesthetist SHO who took amopoules of Tramadol for his own use from theatres in two different hospitals raises many issues. It is likely that the doctor concerned had a problem that requires professional,... Read more

Mayo GPs upset at loss of cancer service

Bríd O’Malley, Secretary, Mayo Faculty, Irish College of General Practitioners | 02 November 2007

Dear Editor, We are deeply disturbed at the intention of HSE West to remove the breast cancer service for the people of Mayo from Mayo General Hospital. This service has been developed under the leadership of Mr Kevin Barry, Consultant... Read more

Laser advertising is unethical

Dr Adam Smith, Consultant Dermatologist, Aut Even Hospital, Kilkenny | 02 November 2007

Dear Editor, I would like to support the issues raised by Drs Michelle Murphy, John F Bourke and J Fergus Lyons as to the ineffectiveness of the N-lite laser for acne vulgaris. It is not based on current patho-physiological principles... Read more

Clarification: 26 October 2007

26 October 2007

In an article on prostate cancer entitled Men’s health needs to be advanced (Irish Medical Times on 21 September 2007) it was stated that Greenlight laser therapy was available for public patients in two hospitals: Tallaght Hospital in Dublin and... Read more

IPU should be able to negotiate for chemists

Michael D Higgins, TD for Galway West, President of the Labour Party, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 26 October 2007

Dear Editor, The current dispute between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and pharmacists which has led a number of pharmacists to withdraw from the methadone prescription scheme, could have been averted had the Government accepted a Private Members Bill I... Read more

Pesticides are being overused in the EU

Dr Elizabeth Cullen, Irish Doctors Environmental Association, Kilcullen, Co Kildare | 26 October 2007

Dear Editor, Although much attention is currently being given to the financial problems in the Irish health service, not all interventions will result in increased expenditure. Unnecessary use of pesticides within European Union countries is a significant threat to children’s... Read more

Wasting the investment

James Bannon TD, Fine Gael Longford/Westmeath, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 26 October 2007

Dear Editor, The Health Minister is failing to address the shortage of posts for qualified physiotherapists even though the health service is crying out for these graduates and the services they provide. At this stage, I am advising people to... Read more

Minors should not be in adult facilities

Senator Frances Fitzgerald, Fine Gael Seanad Leader and Health Spokesperson | 19 October 2007

Dear Editor, Recent statistics from the Mental Health Commission revealed that 154 minors between the ages of 13 and 17 have been admitted to adult services and psychiatric facilities. This is an absolutely unacceptable situation. The Government must immediately address... Read more

Closure of Nenagh ward is budget-driven

Senator Alan Kelly, Labour Party representative, Tipperary North | 19 October 2007

Dear Editor, The recent decision to close a full 10-bed ward in Nenagh Hospital is an indictment of the HSE and is symbolic of where they see our National Health Service going. It is now plain to see that Nenagh... Read more

Irish medical training can learn much from Australian rural model

Dr Ernan Hession, FRACGP, FACRRM, Clinical supervisor/GP, Swan Hill District Hospital, Victoria, Australia | 12 October 2007

Dear Editor, I read your recent article on serious deficits in medical education facilities in Ireland. Although I know this is as yet to be fully published, I thought your readers might be interested in changes occurring in the Australian... Read more

N-lite ineffective for acne vulgaris?

Dr Michelle Murphy, Dr John F Bourke & Dr J Fergus Lyons, Department of Dermatology, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork | 12 October 2007

Dear Editor, As dermatologists with no financial interest in the laser industry, we stand by our opinion that N-lite is relatively ineffective for acne vulgaris. The two small studies (41 and 40 patients respectively) have shown contradictory results as outlined... Read more

Specialist Gardai welcomed by Rape Crisis Centre CEO

Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, Chief Executive, Dublin Rape Crisis Clinic | 12 October 2007

Dear Editor, The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) welcomes the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Brian Lenihan’s commitment in his recent address to the Dáil to prioritise the monitoring of sex offenders and to co-operate with the... Read more

Smokers sacrifice sight

Des Kenny, Chief Executive, National Council for the Blind of Ireland, Whitworth Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 | 05 October 2007

Dear Editor, Smokers are up to four times more likely to lose their sight to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 50 — than people who have never smoked. The... Read more

Very little evidence that cancer centralisation had happened

Dr Harry Comber, Director, National Cancer Registry, Elm Court, Cork | 05 October 2007

Dear Editor, A study by the National Cancer Registry is quoted, under the headline ‘Little evidence to back centralised cancer care’, in the Irish Medical Times (21 September 2007) as showing “little evidence to support centralising cancer services”. This is... Read more

The secret of success

Dr Conall MacCuinneagáin, Spiddal, Co Galway | 28 September 2007

Dear Editor, I note that the Irish Medical Times is organising a seminar on managing a successful practice. Many years ago Dr John Heskin stated that the three things necessary for a successful practice were, in order of their importance,... Read more

Call to lift the HSE staffing freeze

Jan O’Sullivan, Labour Party health spokesperson, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 28 September 2007

Dear Editor, It is inconceivable to think that as winter approaches and the anticipated increased volumes of people present themselves to their local A&E departments for medical assistance they will be confronted with longer waiting times and bed shortages due... Read more

Health service in crisis– minister take heed

Dr James Reilly, FG Health Spokesperson, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 28 September 2007

Dear Editor, In little more than 100 days since the Fianna Fáil-PD-Green government took power the health service has been beset on all sides by cutbacks, the exposure of empty pre-election promises and outright lies. For cancer patients and their... Read more

Work almost complete on plans concerning children's referendum

Brendan Smith, Minister for Children, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 28 September 2007

Dear Editor, I was amazed at Fine Gael spokesperson Alan Shatter’s badly informed assertion that there has been “too much talk and too little action” regarding the referendum on children. As I have stated publicly on a number of occasions... Read more

Botox and migraine

Dr Patrick Treacy, Medical Director, Ailesbury Clinics Ltd, Dublin 4 | 21 September 2007

Dear Editor, Although world opinion is presently split on the efficacy of Botox treatment and Migraine there is no variance of advice between myself and Dr Eddie O’Sullivan regarding the recommendation for its use. Our retrospective study showed 13 patients... Read more

Defibrillators are welcomed

Dr James Reilly, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 21 September 2007

Dear Editor, Aer Lingus’ announcement to introduce defibrillators on short trips is very welcome. I now call on all other airlines to follow this example and introduce defibrillators on their short haul aircraft. These machines are relatively inexpensive, costing up... Read more

HSE recruitment freeze attack on patients' interests

Ciaran Lynch, Labour TD, Cork South Central, Cork | 21 September 2007

Dear Editor, The HSE decision to suspend recruitment indefinitely is now hitting hard in hospitals and healthcare facilities around the country, and anger from patients and staff members and workers, is more than justified. We see where doctors in the... Read more

Patients’ status is changed– they are not all released

Dr Consilia Walsh, Consultant Psychiatrist and Chairperson, Irish College of Psychiatrists, 123 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 | 21 September 2007

Dear Editor, I am surprised at the sensational and misleading tone and content of a front-page article published in the Irish Medical Times of 31 August 2007. The heading, ‘Over 1,000 involuntary psychiatric patients released’, is surprisingly sensational and inaccurate.... Read more

Hire ban a direct attack on patients

Ms Liz McManus, Labour Party health spokesperson, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 14 September 2007

Dear Editor, The decision of the Health Service Executive (HSE) to place a total ban on the recruitment or replacement of staff is a direct attack on the interests of patients and will inevitably lead to a deterioration of standards... Read more

Debate continues on the efficacy of pulsed dye laser

Dr Patrick Treacy, Medical Director, Ailesbury Clinics Ltd, Dublin 4 | 14 September 2007

Dear Editor, It is with some interest that I read the ongoing discussion between very experienced British and Irish dermatologists regarding the efficacy of pulsed dye laser treatment of active acne. I would like to add some objective comment as... Read more

Confidence in the medical system is badly undermined

Mr Brian Hayes, Fine Gael health spokesperson, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 14 September 2007

Dear Editor, At this point in Ireland sandwich bars, butcher shops and restaurants undergo a higher level of independent inspection than a hospital or clinic. Confidence in the Irish medical system is being seriously undermined by the continuing exposure of... Read more

Beaumont Hospital statement on planning

Mr Liam Duffy, Chief Executive, Beamont Hospital, Dublin 9 | 31 August 2007

Dear Editor, Beaumont Hospital wishes to clarify the position in respect of a planning application made by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland for permission to expand its Education and Research Centre on the hospital’s campus. The Hospital lodged... Read more

Questions remain on out-of-hours arrangements for GP patients

Dr John Brangan, Salem Medical Centre, Wicklow Town, Co Wicklow | 31 August 2007

Dear Editor, I read with interest Greg Baxter’s article regarding the new Naas primary care centre – the first of five or six such centres which as reported will provide 8 am-10 pm Monday-Saturday primary care. I note that in... Read more

Debate over pulsed dye lasers continues

Dr David Buckley, MRCGP, DP Dermatology, Solas Dermatology and Laser Clinic, The Ashe Street Clinic, Tralee, Co Kerry | 31 August 2007

Dear Editor, I am writing in response to Dr Murphy/Bourke/Lyons’ letter to the Irish Medical Times (29 June 2007) which questioned the effectiveness of pulsed dye lasers on the treatment of active acne. Pulsed dye lasers have been shown to... Read more

Mandatory cancer reporting welcome

Dr Elizabeth Cullen, Secretary, Irish Doctors’ Environmental Association, Thomastown, Kilcullen, Co Kildare | 31 August 2007

Dear Editor, We welcome the initiative to have reporting of cancer mandatory and would also welcome the establishment of similar registers of asthma, diabetes and other chronic diseases. These registers could include data relating to the nature and duration of... Read more

College anaesthetists' annual golf outing

Dr John McAdoo, President, College of Anesthetists, Dublin | 31 August 2007

Dear Doctors, I am writing to remind you of the College of Anaesthetist’s annual golf outing on Thursday, 6 September, 2007. All monies raised from this Golf Classic will be used to support and develop anaesthesia services in Malawi. Malawi... Read more

Cancer survival poem

R Rudkin, Stamford, Lincolnshire, UK | 17 August 2007

Dear Editor, I enclose a poem I have written based on a very recent experience I had. I wonder can it really be, That after all this chemotherapy And then the radiography, That now there’s nothing wrong with me? That... Read more

Pioneering group finds laser treatment of acne gives effective results

Tony Chu, FRCP, Head of Dermatology for the Hammersmith Hospitals Trust, London President of the Acne Support Group | 17 August 2007

Dear Editor, I feel compelled to write as I am both surprised and disappointed to read the comments of Drs Murphy, Bourke and Lyons in their letter to Irish Medical Times (29/06/2007) concerning the use of the NLite laser in... Read more

Correlation between alcohol and suicide

Deputy Dan Neville, Fine Gael Deputy Health Spokesman, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 10 August 2007

Dear Editor, During the 1990s Ireland experienced a 41 per cent increase in alcohol consumption and suicide rates increased by 44 per cent, showing an almost 100 per cent correlation. A study into unnatural deaths in 2001 and 2002 in... Read more

Call for defibrillators in health clubs and gyms

Deputy Mary Upton, Labour Party TD for Dublin South Central, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 10 August 2007

Dear Editor, Reports this week that the GAA is to enter an arrangement to provide 125 defibrillators in clubs around the country, is to be warmly welcomed. This news should provide encouragement to local authorities and to gyms to do... Read more

Precautionary measures for true emergencies only

Jack Flanagan, Sutton, Co Dublin | 10 August 2007

Dear Editor, I write to agree with Dr Mick Molloy whose article appeared in Irish Medical Times on 27 July on the importance of precautionary demonstrations to ensure that emergency plans will work in hospitals. Dr Molloy refers to the... Read more

Do not diminish the consequences

Dr Fabian Akamnonu, 9 Ballycasey Park, Shannon, Co Clare | 03 August 2007

Dear Editor, Just a comment on Sandra Ryan’s ‘Everything you wanted to know about…’ series, the one on cervical cancer (Irish Medical Times, 8 June 2007), especially with regard to the new vaccines for cervical cancer. Prof Walter Prendiville was... Read more

Government must act on fertility treatment

Liz McManus TD, Labour spokesperson on health, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 03 August 2007

Dear Editor, The Government must take action to regulate fertility treatment following the findings of an independent inquiry into the death of Jacqueline Rushton after complications during treatment. It is important that the recommendations of the inquiry be published and... Read more

Rate hike approval shows obvious lack of concern

Brian Hayes TD, Fine Gael Health Spokesperson, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 03 August 2007

Dear Editor, The Health Minister’s decision to approve an 8.5 per cent hike in Vhi costs was bad news for subscribers who had already seen their premiums increase by 25 per cent in the last two years. In accepting the... Read more

National Pensions Lobby

Dr Robert Patrick Gill, MICGP, Secretary, NPL, Dr Harry Leahy MB, Dr Jas McMorrow MB, Dr Vincent Boland MB, Dr Illona Duffy MB | 27 July 2007

Dear Editor, Through your columns, may we thank the many GPs who have responded by letter and telephone to our National Pensions Forum. To illustrate our problem– recently after waiting four years we received an increase in GP (GMS) pensions.... Read more

Specialist in primary care

Damian Rutledge, MB MICGP, Sandymount, Dublin 4 | 27 July 2007

Dear Editor, I recently got a letter from the HSE in Tullamore signed by a person with a title of ‘specialist in primary care’. I am very interested in becoming a ‘specialist’ in primary care myself and I was wondering... Read more

The conundrum of co-location has a ready resolution

J Bernard Walsh, Consultant Physician and Clinical Professor, St James's Hospital and Trinity College Dublin | 27 July 2007

Dear Editor, There is genuine concern among many doctors and other healthcare workers that co-located hospitals, rather than benefiting the population they serve, could leave us with a significant worsening of our current health system. While the operating policy of... Read more

Inequality is still rife in Ireland despite a number of advances

Declan Jones, Chief Executive, Focus Ireland | 20 July 2007

Dear Editor, I refer to the report (Irish Medical Times, 6 July 2007) that a group of GPs working in Ireland’s most deprived area have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to help them establish a new primary care team... Read more

Remembrance parties

Dr Patrick Troy, Strawberry Beds, Dublin 20 | 20 July 2007

Dear Editor, Jervis Street Hospital was founded in the seventeenth century– 1654 I believe– and treated the sick of Dublin for over 300 years. In November this year the anniversary of the closure of Jervis Street Hospital falls. A party... Read more

Northsiders have 'tortuous wait' for services funding

Deputy Tommy Broughan, Labour Party TD, Dublin North East, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 20 July 2007

Dear Editor, There is deep disappointment on Dublin’s northside at the so-called “deal” announced in Dáil Éireann by Independent Deputy Finian McGrath. There is nothing new for the northside in the items listed by Deputy McGrath. For many years I... Read more

The most important matter in the Mater debate is the sick children

David FitzGerald, Goatstown, Dublin | 20 July 2007

Dear Editor, You report Dr Brendan O’Hare (Irish Medical Times, 29 June 2007) as having said that the only people in Ireland who support the Mater Hospital site for the national children’s hospital are people with vested interests in the... Read more

Standard of care is of concern to Age Action

Eamon Timmins, Head of Advocacy and Communications, Age Action Ireland Ltd, 30/21 Lower Camden St, Dublin 2 | 20 July 2007

Dear Editor, Age Action is concerned about the continuing reports by HSE inspectors of sub-standard care in private nursing homes. While the independent inspectorate currently being established by the Health Information and Quality Authority has a major role to play... Read more

There is still time to vote in the Seanad elections

Dr Maurice Gueret, Trinity Seanad Election Candidate, Terenure, Dublin 6 | 20 July 2007

Dear Editor, I would like to alert readers who are graduates of Trinity College Dublin that there is still time for them to vote, even if they have yet to receive ballot papers for the forthcoming Seanad Election. Currently about... Read more

Co-location policy needs to safeguard patient-centred care

Dr Pascal O’Dea, Dr Brendan Coffey & Dr Aoife Cody, Family Doctors Medical Centre, Bachelors Walk, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow | 13 July 2007

Dear Minister Harney, We are writing requesting clarification on several important issues relating to the Government’s hospital co-location policy. What mandatory conditions apply to the tenders for co-location which will safeguard patient-centred care and the benefit to the community at... Read more

A dearth of money is spent on ABI service

Michael D Higgins, Labour Party President and Dáil deputy for Galway West, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 06 July 2007

Dear Editor, The admission from the Health Service Executive (HSE) in a letter to me, that the funding they provide nationally for people with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is “inadequate” is welcome for its honesty, if not for the implications... Read more

Expert report was delivered on time

Dr Terry Lynch, Ballykeefe, Limerick | 06 July 2007

Dear Editor, I refer to the article by Dr Dermot Walsh (former inspector of Mental Hospitals) entitled ‘Vision must not become mirage’ (Irish Medical Times, 15 June 2007). In this article, Dr Walsh is quoted as saying that the “implementation... Read more

The HSE is 'half-right'

Dr Christine O’Malley, Consultant Geriatrician, Nenagh General Hospital, Co Tipperary | 06 July 2007

Dear Editor, The HSE is right. Well, half-right (‘Clinicians are in charge, says HSE’, Irish Medical Times, 15 June 2007). The decision to admit a patient to hospital is made by clinicians and not managers or bed managers. The decision... Read more

Patients suffer as HSE fail to spend- Hayes

Brian Hayes TD, Fine Gael Health Spokesperson, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 29 June 2007

Dear Editor, The €100 million capital underspending by the Health Service Executive (HSE) is completely unacceptable– especially in light of vital capacity needs it displayed an organisational inability to channel funding to badly needed developments. The disastrous PPARS project demonstrated... Read more

Will the MP Bill lead to a shortage of locums?

Dr Jacqui Glisson, Castletownbere, Co Cork | 29 June 2007

Dear Editor, As did most of my GP colleagues I recently received an e-mail from the ICGP advising me to apply for specialist registration in order to comply with the new Medical Practitioners Bill. Can anyone clarify what the situation... Read more

Investment in the MRSA laboratory is urgently needed

Mr Ciaran Lynch TD, Labour Party, Cork South Central and Outgoing Chairperson, Southern Regional Health Forum | 29 June 2007

Dear Editor, Comments from the Chief Medical Scientist at the National Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Reference Laboratory that the facility is “in dire straits”, are of very serious concern. The calls by Dr Angela Rossney for additional investment should be... Read more

Pulse dye laser has little effect

Dr Michelle Murphy, Dr John F Bourke & Dr J Fergus Lyons, Department of Dermatology, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork | 29 June 2007

Dear Editor, With reference to the recent article on laser treatment in the Irish Medical Times (25 May 2007) we would like to highlight the lack of evidence for the effective treatment of active acne with pulse dye laser including... Read more

FAI cardiac questionnaire for soccer players aged 14 up

Dr Alan M Byrne, Medical Director, FAI Medical Committee, Football Association of Ireland | 22 June 2007

Dear Editor, I would like to make my colleagues aware, particularly those in general practice, that the Football Association of Ireland, with the assistance and advice of the FAI Medical Committee, has posted our ‘grassroots’ cardiac screening questionnaire on our... Read more

Warfarin testing in GPs’ practices

Dr Jacqui Glisson, Castletownbere, Co Cork | 22 June 2007

Dear Editor, It is with great interest that I read about the GPs in Cavan who have begun a pilot project to provide warfarin testing in their practices. I have been doing this in my own practice for some time... Read more

Who will police the monitors?

Dr Monica DeWeeney, Rathgeenan, Barnhill Road, Dalkey, Co Dublin | 22 June 2007

Dear Sir, Having spent a recent weekend listening to how doctors are going to be monitored in order to establish whether they are value for money I wonder who is going to monitor these administrators? ie HSE and hospital administrators... Read more

Pension demand for 'marriage ban' women

Willie Penrose TD, Labour Party Spokesperson on Social and Family Affairs, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 22 June 2007

Dear Editor, The next Social Affairs Minister, will have to take a close look at the situation relating to thousands of women who were forced to leave the civil service as a result of the pre-1974 ban on married women... Read more

Anyone can now complain about their doctor

Dr T G Stewart, Health Centre, Mosney, Co Meath | 15 June 2007

Dear Editor, It was reported in the Irish Medical Times by Dr Brian Meade on behalf of the newly emerging watchdog, the HIQA, that anyone can now make anonymous complaints about a physician. What safeguards are in place for vexatious... Read more

Commitment on health

Stephen McMahon, Chairman, Irish Patients’ Association, Church Road, Ballybrack, Co Dublin | 15 June 2007

Dear Editor, The Irish Patients’ Association wrote to all political parties during the election seeking a political commitment to provide the necessary means to enable all stakeholders to examine and enter into conversations as to whether a right of access... Read more

Concerns raised over quality of breakfast cereals

Maureen Mulvihill, Health Promotion Manager, Irish Heart Foundation | 15 June 2007

Dear Editor, The Irish Heart Foundation is greatly concerned about the quality of breakfast cereals targeted at children. A survey, published by the Consumers Association of Ireland found that 100 per cent of the cereals specifically targeted at children did... Read more

A warning on health in a changing climate

Dr Margaret Chan, Director General, World Health Organization | 15 June 2007

Dear Editor, The focus of World Environment Day this year is on the impact of climate change on the polar regions, their ecosystems and communities, and the consequences that will have for the world. There is a close and complex... Read more

Action needs to be taken on trans fats

Senator Jim Higgins, Fine Gael MEP, North West | 08 June 2007

Dear Editor, I am calling on the Irish food industry to stop using dangerous trans fats following the launch of the European Commission White Paper on Nutrition. I have long been arguing for better labelling of trans fats on food... Read more

Help needed for support of elderly

Dermot Kirwan, Development Officer, Friends of the Elderly, 25 Bolton Street, Dublin 1 | 08 June 2007

Dear Editor, I would like to draw the attention of GPs and other healthcare professionals to the Circle of Friends service operated by Friends of the Elderly. We are a voluntary organisation whose objective is to alleviate loneliness and isolation... Read more

ASH welcomes ban on 10-pack cigarettes sale

Prof Luke Clancy, Chairman, ASH Ireland | 08 June 2007

Dear Editor, ASH Ireland welcomes the banning of the sale of 10-packs of cigarettes with effect from 31 May 2007. This is an important development in the overall fight against tobacco related disease– and it should impact on sales of... Read more

Suicide prevention

Dr John Connolly, Congress Chairman, 16 New Antrim Street, Castlebar, Co Mayo | 01 June 2007

Dear Editor, The Irish Association for Suiciology (IAS) is pleased to announce the XXIV Biennial Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) entitled: Preventing Suicide Across the Lifespan: Dreams and Realities, which will take place in Killarney, Co... Read more

Come into my parlour said the spider to the fly

Dr Jim Stacey, Monang, Dungarvan, Co Waterford | 01 June 2007

Dear Editor, I wonder has the story of "The Spider And The Fly" by Mary Howitt (1821) relevance to those who volunteer for competence assurance? I enclose an abridged version as follows:... Read more

HSE mismanaged the Miss D case

Dr D Mac Namara, Lower Salthill, Galway | 01 June 2007

Dear Editor, In recent weeks, we have been reminded, if indeed any of us need reminding, of what the Health Service Executive (HSE) has become. I refer to its management of the unfortunate Miss D case. The HSE first tried... Read more

IPNA is opposed to co-location policy

Emer O’Byrne, Public Relations Officer, Irish Practice Nurses Association, 42 Fr Griffin Road, Galway | 25 May 2007

Dear Editor, The Irish Practice Nurses Association is dismayed at the present Government’s plans to have private hospitals co-located on the grounds of existing public hospitals. Everyone is entitled to good quality healthcare, regardless of whether one is rich or... Read more

A wake-up call on global warming

Dr Philip Michael, MICGP, Chairman, Irish Doctors Environmental Association (IDEA), Bandon, Co Cork | 25 May 2007

An ppen letter to the Minister for Education and Science Dear Minister, Global warming as detailed by the recent reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has potentially serious consequences and poses a very real challenge to each... Read more

Stroke care in Ireland has huge shortcomings

Prof Des O’Neil, Chairman of the Irish Heart Foundation Council on Stroke | 18 May 2007

Dear Editor, The first parts of the National Stroke Audit, commissioned by the Irish Heart Foundation, reveal huge shortcomings in stroke care in Ireland. Over last decade, more than 3,000 excess lives have been lost in the absence of implementation... Read more

NDDGA annual golf outing

Dr Oliver McHugh and Dr Tony O’Connor, College Gate Clinic, Dublin | 18 May 2007

Dear Editor, The North Dublin Doctors Golf Association annual golf outing is on Thursday 14 June. The new Royal Dublin course re-opened recently and the new clubhouse this week. We look forward to another great event for 2007. Invitations to... Read more

An open letter to all nurses and midwives

Prof Brendan Drumm, CEO, Health Service Executive | 18 May 2007

Dear Colleague, Firstly, I want to acknowledge that this is a difficult time for all of us; nurses and midwives, healthcare professionals, administrators, managers and all other staff. Secondly, I want to assure you that we are very willing to... Read more

EU rules on medicines

Avril Doyle MEP, European Parliament, Brussels | 11 May 2007

Dear Editor, I welcome the outcome of the vote in the European Parliament on the marketing of advanced therapy medicinal products. This regulation aims to establish specific procedures and requirements for the authorisation, supervision and monitoring of advanced therapy medicinal... Read more

Children bear the brunt of poisonings

Darragh O’Loughlin, Pharmacist and Chairman of the IPU’s Community Pharmacy Committee, Galway | 11 May 2007

Dear Editor, The recent AGM of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union heard that 4,000 children in Ireland are accidentally poisoned each year. The figures emerged from the Poisons Information Centre in Beaumont Hospital. The AGM also heard that 70 per cent... Read more

Warning on the risk of skin cancer

Dr Nora Hart (nee Hogan), Dalkey, Co Dublin | 11 May 2007

Dear Editor, With the increase in hill walkers in the Irish population, when hikers’ exposed skin may not have UVA/UVB protection and they spend maybe six hours hill walking in late spring, summer and early autumn, the use of the... Read more

NHS contract was accepted

Dr Timothy Cotter, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, UK | 11 May 2007

Dear Editor, I take exception to the description by Dr Turlough O’Donnell (IMT 27.04.07) about the state of the NHS. He is obviously confusing the issue of training with the consultant contract of 2003. There are issues about the training... Read more

It’s wake up time for the Government on funding cancer fight

Jane Bailey, Rathmoylan, Dunmore East, Co Waterford | 04 May 2007

Dear Editor, If the media is to be believed, stamp duty reform is the key issue that all political parties must address if they want to win the next election. While we have already witnessed the launch of numerous policy... Read more

Condolence: 4 May 2007

04 May 2007

Eileen McCaffery, ex-pharmacist of St Brendan’s Hospital and wife of Dr Brian McCaffery, ex-clinical director of St Brendan’s Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, died peacefully at home last month. Her funeral was held at Listowel. May God bestow blessings... Read more

Investigation into Leas Cross will fall short for elderly

Fergus O' Dowd, TD, Fine Gael Louth, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 04 May 2007

Dear Editor, I welcome the establishment of the Commission of Investigation into the treatment of elderly patients at the Leas Cross nursing home, but it was long overdue given that the disturbing conditions at the home emerged almost two years... Read more

Quality of our nursing home care insufficient

Eamon Timmins, Age Action Ireland Ltd | 04 May 2007

Dear Editor, The quality of care being provided in private nursing homes in Ireland is less than what good international practice would dictate, according to a report published by Age Action. The report was written by Brian McEnery of the... Read more

Patients will pay price when standards slip

Dr Turlough O’Donnell, President, Irish Orthopaedic Trainees Association | 27 April 2007

Dear Editor, The Health Minister, Ms Harney, recently got irate at the suggestion that she was going to employ “yellow-pack” consultants on her brand new consultant contract. Indeed, the public, she continued, are being held to ransom by greedy consultants.... Read more

Vast majority of patients satisfied with their doctors

Dr John Kehoe, Blessington Road, Naas, Co Kildare | 27 April 2007

Dear Editor, I refer to a letter from Dr Colm Quigley published in Irish Medical Times on 6 April. It appears to me that a good majority of doctors have no interest in so-called competence assurance, feeling they do not... Read more

Do not allow the HSE to impose its vision

Dr Brian Pickering, Chairman (outgoing), Anaesthetists in Training in Ireland | 27 April 2007

Dear Editor, As specialist doctors nearing the completion of our training we would like to express our deep disquiet at the Minister for Health’s and the HSE’s aggressive approach towards our profession. We are all on the threshold of entering... Read more

Minister Harney must not 'ram through' proposal

Senator Brian Hayes, Fine Gael candidate, Dublin South West, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 20 April 2007

Dear Editor, The decision on the new national children’s hospital should wait until after the election and Health Minister Mary Harney must scrap her plans to ram her proposal through by stealth. Minister Harney is trying to bypass the Oireachtas... Read more

Cowley demands action for Mayo cancer patients

Dr Jerry Cowley, Independent TD, Mayo | 20 April 2007

Dear Editor, The Minister for Health has failed to take action on behalf of Mayo cancer patients who have to wait months for essential treatment. I asked Minister Harney to take urgent steps to ensure those patients could get Galway... Read more

Legal action planned to oppose new Act

Dr Seán Ó Domhnaill, MB., DPM., MRCPsych., Dip. Cog. Therapy, Chairman & PRO, Medical Council Membership Support Committee | 20 April 2007

Dear Editor, The Minister for Health’s “shotgun marriage” approach to the healthcare profession is duly noted. Conflict with the vast majority of serving healthcare professionals, which has been characterised by the utilisation of civil servants in a manner reminiscent of... Read more

Survival rate discrepancy

Deputy Liam Twomey, Fine Gael Spokesman for Health | 13 April 2007

Dear Editor, The appalling discrepancies in cancer survival rates for people living outside Dublin highlights the massive failure of Government policy in regionalising the health services and promoting cancer prevention. The significant variations in cancer survival rates across the country... Read more

Promoting health issues with appropriate images

Dr Niamh O’Brien, GP Registrar, Western Training Programme in General Practice | 13 April 2007

Dear Editor, I trust that you and your editorial team are aware that breastfeeding is the recommendation of all health professional associations and the published policy of the Department of Heath and Children. I was therefore disappointed to note that... Read more

Ethical aspects of co-location should be highlighted

Dr Risteárd Mulcahy, 16 the Palms, Roebuck Road, Dublin 14 | 13 April 2007

Dear Editor, Ms Mary Harney is to be applauded for her concern about the ethical aspects of combined pharmacies and general practitioner clinics (IMT 23 March 2007). It is difficult to understand, therefore, why she has not shown the same... Read more

Ireland must lead in infection prevention

Dr Teresa Graham, on behalf of MRSA and Families Network, 1 Meadowbrook, Tramore, Co Waterford | 13 April 2007

Dear Editor, In reaction to the publication of the HIS Prevalence Survey of Healthcare-associated Infection in UK and Irish Acute Hospitals: Irish Hospital Prevalence Rates, I would like to draw attention to the following: Although the results of this survey... Read more

GPs wanted for Medical Council pilot scheme

Dr Colm Quigley, Vice President of the Medical Council and Chairman of the Competence Assurance Advisory Group | 06 April 2007

Dear Editor, In the edition of 23 March, under the headline ‘Mistrust derails pilot’, the impression was given that the Medical Council’s pilot scheme for competence assurance was closed. This is not the case. The Medical Council is still accepting... Read more

Puzzling implications of co-location plan

Dr Patrick K Plunkett, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, St James’s Hospital, Dublin. Senior Lecturer in Emergency Medicine, Trinity College Dublin. Editor, European Journal of Emergency Medicine | 06 April 2007

Dear Editor, I have great difficulty understanding what will happen if, as is proposed, full economic cost is charged for all private beds in the co-located hospitals, and, presumably (as they must answer to the laws of the competitive market),... Read more

Congratulations to IMT for raising the issues of Mental Health Tribunals

Dr Brendan O’Reilly, 6 Clos Brenin, Brynsadler, Rhindda Cynon Taff, Wales | 06 April 2007

Dear Editor, Ian McGuinness’s article ‘Mental health tribunal patients ill-served by legal representatives’ (IMT 23 March 2007) is one of those articles that is very important. People have been complaining about the costs associated with court hearings for years. It... Read more

Dr Joan O’Callaghan– An appreciation

06 April 2007

Dr Joan O’Callaghan died in late 2006. She qualified from RCSI in 1971 and after her intern year considered her options and settled for psychiatry. It was a happy choice as her meticulous attention to detail and kindness to patients... Read more

Accuracy of infections survey questioned

Gerard O’Callaghan, Chief Executive, South Infirmary–Victoria University Hospital | 30 March 2007

Dear Editor, I wish to highlight the South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital’s concerns in relation to the findings of the Third Prevalence Survey of Healthcare Associated Infections in Acute Hospitals which was issued by the Health Service Executive (HSE). I now... Read more

Pensions for GPs are extremely inadequate

Dr Robt P Gill & Dr Harry Leahy, Limerick, Dr Sean Gormley, Ballina, Co Mayo | 30 March 2007

Dear Editor, Can I, on behalf of the GP National Pensions Lobby, thank the very many GPs who responded to our letter canvassing support from all parts of Ireland. We also wish to thank all those who sent messages of... Read more

'Bureacratic quagmire' in transferring sick patients to hospital

Dr Joe Clarke, General Practitioner, Summerhill Medical Centre, Summerhill, Co Meath | 30 March 2007

Dear Editor, I am writing to alert doctors of problems I have encountered with the new Mental Health Act. Recently, I was called out to a patient who needed to be admitted involuntarily because of an acute psychiatric disorder. His... Read more

Thumbs down for healthcare players

Dr Gerard Crotty, St James’s Hospital | 30 March 2007

Dear Editor, We consultants are very fortunate to have our own Dreamgirls- the IHCA and IMO presidents! However, The Queen doesn’t want to negotiate seriously with us, preferring public castigation- Little Miss Sunshine she is not.... Read more

HSE and Minister too quick to blame someone else

Dr Conor McGrane, Bracken Clinic, 12a Dublin Street, Balbriggan, Co Dublin | 23 March 2007

Dear Editor, Recent pronouncements from the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Minister for Health have claimed that the main cause of MRSA is over prescribing of antibiotics by GPs. It has been suggested that more education and even retraining... Read more

Bill is a disgrace in a modern democracy

Dr Seán Ó Domhnaill, Chairman and PRO, Medical Council Membership Support Committee | 23 March 2007

Dear Editor, The Medical Council has issued a statement that outlined two main points in the recent contact between the Minister for Health, Mary Harney, and the Council’s President and its Registrar. The first point is that the definition of... Read more

A&E overcrowding is causing cancellations

Mr Ronald Grainger, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Adelaide Meath Hospital Tallaght and St James’s, Hospital, Dublin | 23 March 2007

Dear Editor, It was with incredulity that I read your report (IMT, 9 March 2007) of Prof Drumm’s comments to the Dáil Public Accounts Committee stating that cancelled elective surgeries were not linked to emergency department overcrowding. I can state... Read more

Right of reply is key

Tadhg Daly, Chief Executive, Irish Nursing Homes Organisation, Dublin 12 | 16 March 2007

Dear Editor, As is widely known, the Irish Nursing Homes Organisation fully supports the expansion and enhancement of the current inspection regime concerning nursing homes. However, the current HSE inspection system is totally unfair and deprives nursing home proprietors of... Read more

Food advertisers and Government are also to blame

Dr Angela Jordan, Specialist Registrar in Public Health, The Institute of Public Health in Ireland | 16 March 2007

Dear Editor, The increasing problem of childhood obesity has been occupying many column inches in the media. The emphasis has been on the role of the family and health services in tackling this epidemic. Responsibility and the power to address... Read more

Beware of too much power for Minister

Dr Mary O’Carroll, Letterkenny, Co Donegal | 16 March 2007

Dear Editor, I am very concerned about the contents of the Medical Practitioners Bill that is now being debated in the Dáil. The powers, which will be vested in the Minister for Health if this Bill is passed as drafted... Read more

Blaming doctors has become choice option of Ministers

Dr Mary Gray, Corbally Clinic Medical Centre, Corbally Road, Limerick | 09 March 2007

Dear Editor, The proposed public hearings of the Medical Council’s Fitness to Practise Committee are detrimental to good medical practice. The development of safe systems of practice depend on practitioner confidence in error reporting, leading to good risk management. Error... Read more

Rage against new Bill

Dr Seán Ó Domhnaill, Chairman and PRO, Medical Council Membership Support Committee, Sallins, Co Kildare | 09 March 2007

Dear Editor, Judging by the number of contacts I have recently received, panic is fast spreading among the profession in relation to the looming Medical Practitioners Bill. While the various opposition spokespeople are expressing reservations about aspects of the Bill,... Read more

Bringing hospital supplies to the developing world

Tessa Palokkaran, fifth-year medical student, NUI Galway | 09 March 2007

Dear Editor, I am writing to you on behalf of the Voluntary Services Abroad (VSA), a NUI Galway-based charity run by medical students, which fundraises every year to enable fifth-year medical students to bring supplies to hospitals in the developing... Read more

Government must ban the smoking of cigarettes in cars

Prof Luke Clancy, Chairman ASH Ireland, Northumberland Road, | 02 March 2007

Dear Editor, ASH Ireland is calling on the Government to introduce a smoking ban in all motor vehicles in the best interest of health and road safety. The workplace smoking legislation introduced in 2004 did not restrict smoking in private... Read more

A blow-in from the UK gets the cold shoulder from hospitals in Cork

Dr Jeff Featherstone, Trieneens, Ring, Clonakility, Co Cork | 02 March 2007

Dear Editor, My experience as a new blow-in to West Cork are that it is well-nigh impossible to get a part-time hospital post when working as a GP, despite obvious problems in this sector. I moved from the UK to... Read more

Be careful about terms for older and wiser people

Dr Dermot Walsh, 5 Burleigh Court, Dublin 4 | 02 March 2007

Dear Editor, In a recent contribution to the British Medical Journal (10 February), Dr Falconer and Prof O’Neill of the Department of Gerontology of Trinity and of Tallaght Hospital raise the issue of how older people like to be referred... Read more

No return to those bad old days of cold dispensaries

Oliver Whyte, Westport, Co Mayo | 23 February 2007

Dear Editor, It is beyond belief that sources indicate that Indicative Drugs Savings Scheme may be scrapped. This scheme has helped many doctors transform general practice in Ireland, specifically The provision/upgrading of premises. The provision of practice equipment (ECGs, defibrillators,... Read more

Inadequate pension

Eamon Timmins, Head of Advocacy and Communications, Age Action, Dublin 2 | 23 February 2007

Dear Editor, The State pension will be a crucial issue in the coming election for many of the 460,000 pensioners who are dependent on it as their main source of income. Over one-third of these pensioners is surviving on the... Read more

Drogheda hospital is a 'ticking time bomb'

Deputy Paudge Connolly, Independent TD, Cavan-Monaghan | 23 February 2007

Dear Editor, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda is coming under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, and the HSE’s immediate standard response is to commission another internal report to establish ‘what’s wrong’. The HSE’s veritable library of... Read more

Tobacco industry is shown to be 'cynical and disreputable'

Dr Fenton Howell, St Mary’s Villas, Drogheda, Co Louth | 16 February 2007

Dear Editor, The decision by the tobacco industry and others to abandon their challenge at the last minute to the legislation which would enable the Minister for Health and Children to ban the advertising of tobacco products at point of... Read more

A startling attack on planned co-location

Dr Rónán Collins, MD, Consultant Physician in Older Adult & Stroke Medicine, Adelaide & Meath Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24 | 09 February 2007

Dear Editor, The article on MRSA (IMT, 26 January 2007) is a startling attack on the idea of co-location of public/private hospitals. Although not being a microbiologist myself, I am very aware and concerned at all times about the threat... Read more

FG is right to back Harney in battle with consultants

Dick Keane, 35 Silchester Park, Glenageary, Co Dublin | 09 February 2007

Dear Editor, I was thrilled to hear Dr Liam Twomey, Fine Gael’s Health Spokesman, pledge full backing for Mary Harney’s ultimatum to hospital consultants. This could be as significant for the health services as Alan Dukes’ ‘Tallaght strategy’ was for... Read more

Mass medication without regulation

Brian O Ceallaigh, European Union Environmental Services Ireland, 20 The Hedgerows, Foxrock, Dublin 18 | 09 February 2007

Dear Editor, Fluoride accumulates in the body and young children retain up to 80 per cent. Research over the past 30 years indicates that use of fluoride in a public water scheme leads to: higher levels of bone cancer in... Read more

Health needs over ability to pay

Dr Pascal O’Dea, Medical Centre, Bachelors Walk, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow | 09 February 2007

Dear Editor, I wish to commend the initiative of those doctors calling for support for our public health service. The doctors involved are agreed that private institutions are an acknowledged part of our health service, but they have highlighted the... Read more

Patients are the victims of dispute

Deputy Paudge Connolly, Independent TD, Cavan/Monaghan, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 02 February 2007

Dear Editor, I am calling for direct face-to-face negotiations between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) to avert a threatened withdrawal by pharmacists from the provision of services to medical cardholders. Pharmacists claim that they... Read more

TBI is being neglected and patients need help

Alwyn Byrne, Apt 7 Wellington Hall, 15 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2 | 02 February 2007

Dear Sir, I would be very grateful if you would print this letter in order to raise awareness of the perception of a particular patient group and also that myself and others with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) may receive help... Read more

New legislation is unsatisfactory

Dr Liam Twomey, Fine Gael Health Spokesman, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 02 February 2007

Dear Editor, The Health Bill is ill-conceived and falls well short of the kind of protection which would be guaranteed to patients under Fine Gael and Labour plans for a Patient Safety Authority. The Dáil has been recalled early to... Read more

Truth about GP Clinical

Andrew Macfarlane, CEO, Quantum Healthcare Informatics | 26 January 2007

Dear Editor, A recent article entitled ‘Electronic prescribing to become reality’ (Irish Medical Times, 12 January 2007) discussed our company, Quantum Healthcare Informatics. This contained factual errors in relation to both our company and the sale of our GP Clinical... Read more

Elective surgeries hit by A&E crisis

Dr Liam Twomey, Fine Gael Health Spokesman, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 26 January 2007

Dear Editor, The cancellation of operations is a symptom of the serious problems in the health sector which are preventing the delivery of a decent service to patients. The bed shortage, a major factor in the A&E crisis, is leading... Read more

More flexibility for rural transport

Eamon Timmins, Age Action, 30-31 Camden Street, Dublin 2 | 26 January 2007

Dear Editor, Age Action welcomes proposals by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to increase funding for rural transport services. If more funding is available for night time services to support local pubs, we believe more thought should... Read more

Downgrading now looks inevitable

Dr Charles Byrne, Consultant Psychiatrist, Roscommon County Hospital | 19 January 2007

Dear Editor, The Taoiseach, on a recent visit to Roscommon, was reported to have said that any talk of downgrading Roscommon Hospital was “way off the mark” and that the future of the hospital is secure. I do not feel... Read more

Desperate plea

Deputy Seymour Crawford, Fine Gael-Cavan/Monaghan, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 19 January 2007

Dear Editor, I have written directly to the Taoiseach to express my distress at Government policies with regard to services at Monaghan General Hospital. This is an edited copy of the letter. Dear Taoiseach, I write to you in desperation... Read more

Ireland must urgently control mercury use

Dr Elizabeth Cullen, Irish Doctors Environmental Association, Raheny, Dublin 5 | 19 January 2007

Dear Editor, The results of a small-scale study in 21 European countries, of which Ireland is included, has shown that 95 per cent of women of child bearing age have detectable levels of mercury in their bodies, which was traced... Read more

Don't undermine the Irish smoking ban

Prof Luke Clancy, Chairman, Ash Ireland, 43/45 Northumberland Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 | 12 January 2007

Dear Editor, ASH Ireland welcomes the 50 cent increase on tobacco in the Budget, but it believes that a much more significant increase will be required in 2007 if we are to reduce smoking prevalence. The Government has set a... Read more

HSE revokes its pledge

Deputy Paudge Connolly, Independent TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 12 January 2007

Dear Editor, The decision by HSE General Manager of the five North East hospitals not to renew the contract of an A&E consultant at Monaghan General Hospital is at variance with a commitment given by HSE Chief Executive Prof Drumm... Read more

Government must lift VAT burden on the charity sector

Colin Power, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, Old Nangor Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 | 12 January 2007

Dear Editor, The Irish Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IASBAH) has urged the Government to lift the VAT burden on charity expenditure, therefore allowing donations to be stretched further. Charities such as IASBAH are now facing into another year... Read more

Unions must show leadership in the tobacco battle

Dr Fenton Howell, Faculty of Public Health Medicine, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dublin | 05 January 2007

Dear Editor, Whilst the 50 cent price increase on a packet of 20 cigarettes and related products was disappointingly low, the Minister for Finance, Mr Brian Cowen TD, did recognise that price is a valuable tool in dealing with the... Read more

INHO welcomes Health Bill publication and the establishment of HIQA

Tadhg Daly, INHO Chief Executive, Centre Point Business Park, Oak Road, Dublin 12 | 05 January 2007

Dear Editor, The Irish Nursing Homes Organisation (INHO) has welcomed the publication of the Health Bill which provides for the establishment of the Health Information and Quality Authority and the Social Services Inspectorate. Currently the public sector, which accounts for... Read more

An open letter to the Minister for Health

Dr Pascal O’Dea, NATIGP Representative, South East Trainers Group Medical Centre, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow | 05 January 2007

Dear Ms Harney, I am writing to inform you of an impending crisis in the HSE South, South Eastern GP training scheme. This situation will come about from 1 July 2007, following the recent decision of the South Eastern trainers... Read more

ICP welcomes new Budget spending

Dr Kate Ganter, Chairwoman, Irish College of Psychiatrists, 121 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 | 15 December 2006

Dear Editor, The Irish College of Psychiatrists has broadly welcomed the statement by Minister O’Malley, announcing additional funding of €25 million for the ongoing implementation of ‘A Vision for Change’, and including the funding of a National Service Users Council.... Read more

Hope for neurology care

Gemma Garvan, Deputy Project Manager, National Healthlink Project, 58 Eccles Street, Dublin 7 | 15 December 2006

Dear Editor, I wish to respond to a very interesting letter by Dr Liam Twomey (IMT, 1 Dec 2006). The letter outlined the lack of neurology services available for GPs and patients in Ireland at present due to long waiting... Read more

Cigarette pack move will help young people

Eamon Rossi, Chief Executive Officer, Office of Tobacco Control, Naas, Co Kildare | 15 December 2006

Dear Editor, The Office of Tobacco Control welcomes the announcement that from 31 May 2007 it will be illegal to sell cigarettes in packs of less than 20. The sale of confectioneries that resemble tobacco products will also become illegal... Read more

Leas Cross shows the failure of Government

Dr Liam Twomey, Fine Gael Health Spokesman, Leinster House, Dublin 2 | 08 December 2006

Dear Editor, The horrors at Leas Cross happened, and could be happening in other nursing homes around the country, because of the failure of the Government and its agencies. The Government that failed to put in place a strong, independent... Read more

Patients continue to lose out because of lack of services

Mags Rogers, Development Manager, Neurological Alliance of Ireland, Coleraine House, Coleraine St, Dublin 7 | 08 December 2006

Dear Editor, Irish people with neurological conditions could miss out on pioneering, new surgical treatments unless neurosurgical services in this country are improved. This was the view we in the Neurological Alliance of Ireland put forward on the recent publication... Read more

Healing with images

Dympna Bonfield, Art Psychotherapist, 40 Cregaun, Tobartaoscain, Ennis, Co Clare | 08 December 2006

Dear Editor, Art therapy is about working through the process of image making in a therapeutic relationship. Even for the most articulate, art can be used as a kind of symbolic speech, a means of saying something non-verbally through symbols.... Read more

Ruling in case of frozen embryos raises issues

Eamon O’Dwyer, Professor Emeritus, Chairman & Dr Ann Barry, Honorary Secretary, Irish Catholic Doctors’ Association | 01 December 2006

Dear Editor, In the recent case involving three frozen embryos, Mr. Justice Brian McGovern raised the fundamental question- when does human life begin? Observing that it was not the function of the Court to adjudicate between competing moral or religious... Read more

‘Shocking’ lack of capacity for elective surgery

Dr Liam Twomey TD, Fine Gael Health Spokesman, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 | 01 December 2006

Dear Editor, Patients who are waiting years for neurological and neurosurgical services will take no comfort from news that once again the HSE is just one more report away from action. In many parts of the country there were effectively... Read more

Give Roscommon Hospital more work, not less

Oliver Clinton, Consultant Surgeon & Charles Byrne, Consultant Psychiatrist, Roscommon Hospital, Roscommon | 01 December 2006

Dear Editor, A recent article in Irish Medical Times said that Health Minister Mary Harney and the HSE have expressed unease about the cost and throughput of surgical patients at Roscommon Hospital. Indeed, there seems to be a steady drip... Read more

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Tony O’Brien | 22 October 2009

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24 September 2009