Centralised A&Es offer a terminal solution

LIKE most people, I have been very angry and upset about the HSE’s attempts to centralise A&E services.

Lately, however, I realised the advantages of doing so.

People needing the service, but far from the centres, will be dead by the time they arrive. This will lead to a great saving in treatment materials and indeed staff time.

It will also result in reduced trolley occupancy thus removing a major cause for complaint.

Even demand for beds in wards will decrease. It will be possible to close the occasional ward and cull staff numbers. The savings will be huge.

Think of all the money left over for bonuses and inter-office memos. The only people who won’t be happy will be dead and thus unable to vote. Sheer genius.

Seriously, by all means let them centralise the sort of services which can be delivered at leisure, such as elective surgery and non-emergency hospitalisations, but leave the A&E where it’s needed, close to the people.

If they don’t, may those who die as a result of this stupidity haunt HSE officials to the ends of their days.

Patrick Browne

Ashleigh Park

Skehard Road

Blackrock

Cork