Healthcare: the other side of the story

HSE-bashing and criticism of our health services seem to have become a national pastime.

I feel this is grossly unfair.

Earlier this year, I suffered a serious illness and I spent some time convalescing at Kerry General Hospital in Tralee.

I can honestly say that the care and attention I received from the marvellous professionals who make up the medical staff at that hospital was second to none.

As well as being top-class professionals, they are truly marvellous people.

From the prompt and speedy response of the ambulance personnel right up to my discharge, I received the ultimate in healthcare.

Were it not for the brilliant nursing staff of Muckross ward under the leadership of Eileen Reidy, aligned with the

superb doctors, most notably Mr Robert McEneaney, and the medical back-up teams at the hospital, I would not be putting pen to paper right now.

They are without doubt outstanding professionals who, unfortunately, must carry out their great work in extremely difficult circumstances.

Their workloads are appalling and how they produce such a superb level of care and attention is simply beyond me.

Their kindness and patience seems to know no end.

These heathcare experts would grace any of the world’s best hospitals with distinction.

I would like to thank all the staff in Muckross and Clonfert wards, the nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, occupational and speech therapists, caterers and porters.

According to the old adage “health is wealth”, and Kerry General Hospital is truly a glittering jewel in the Kingdom’s crown.

Finally, I wish also to thank the staff of the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, and Cork University Hospital for their top-class aftercare service.

John M Lordan

Barrack Street

Castleisland

Co Kerry