Lifesaving hospitals should not be closed

I LIVE in Northern Ireland but my wife and I frequently visit Mallow in Co Cork.

I am diabetic and have a heart condition so I take medication daily.

On my last visit a few months ago, I was taken ill in the middle of the night – my blood sugar had dropped to a dangerously low level and neither my wife nor daughter could bring me around.

Due to bad weather, it wasn’t possible for the emergency doctor to call so we were advised to call an ambulance. Two paramedics arrived promptly, examined me and I was taken to Mallow hospital. I stayed the night and was released later the following day.

All the staff at the hospital were wonderful – efficient, polite and professional – particularly as they didn’t know me or my medical history. On my release, they sent a lovely letter to my own doctor up North detailing all tests and treatment that I’d had. I felt very lucky that the hospital was so close and that I’d been treated so well.

Hospitals like Mallow should not be closed to cut costs nationally – in the long run, it will cost the health service dearly because the so-called centres of excellence will not be able to cope with the pressure of too many patients.

Hospitals like Mallow may be old, but they provide a vital service to the community. What’s more, patients rely on them and I strongly believe lives will be lost if they are forced to close.

Kieran Murray

Coolcrannel Square

Maguiresbridge

Co Fermanagh