Heartbreak in A&E

LAST Monday night, I watched the RTÉ Prime Time programme on the state of A&E departments with my 83-year-old grandfather.

I am appalled at what is happening to the most vulnerable people in our hospitals. It now seems elderly people are afraid to go to A&E to get essential treatment, and with good reason.

We listened to patients’ heartbreaking stories of waiting on trolleys or plastic chairs for up to four days and nights in extreme discomfort.

At the end, my grandfather turned to me and asked: “I wonder will that happen to me?”

Shame on Bertie, Mary and co.

Mairéad O’Sullivan

Croan House

Coleville Road

Clonmel

Co Tipperary