Patients left to suffer as appointments cancelled

YOUR report (August 12) that hundreds of patients’ appointments had been cancelled at Mercy University Hospital (MUH), Cork, because it can’t afford to open its emergency department and has been forced to close its outpatients department was devastating news for many people. It is a very worrying time for them as they wait for the letter to see a consultant.

One such letter I received from a constituent seeking advice on a letter he received from MUH, which he attached for my attention.

I am not contravening the confidentiality of my constituent in disclosing the content of the letter, as he has given me permission to do so.

The letter from the nutrition dietetic department reads: “We regret to inform you that your appointment with the dietician at the Mercy University Hospital on 23/09/08 has been cancelled. We will be unable to reschedule your appointment for the foreseeable future. This is due to a significant reduction in staffing levels in the dietetic department, which has resulted in suspension of all dietetic outpatient services. We have informed your consultant of the situation.”

The health problem referred to in the letter may not be a priority, but if it is not kept under control it can lead, as medical experts will advise, to more serious health problems. These patients are left in limbo. This topsy-turvy health situation will result in further suffering for them.

The outpatients department in the Mercy Hospital should not be closed. Whatever about the past, there is no reason why we should perpetuate the iniquitous, inefficient, under-staffed, under-resourced aspects of our health services. We want a service that meets the needs of those who deserve our care and the professionalism of the medical staff who work so hard despite all the difficulties. The Mercy Hospital has served the people of Cork well for generations. Let it continue to do so.

Cllr Noel Collins

‘St Jude’s’

Midleton

Co Cork