Missing link

IN July 10 you published a long letter outlining the function of the Department of Health and Children. The focus was very much on the information and administration aspects. No doubt much of what is being done has merit and is serious business.

What struck me as peculiar, however, was that in dealing with the health of the nation the letter made no mention of patients, doctors, nurses hospitals, scans, X-rays, wards, beds, hygiene waiting lists, visiting arrangements and illnesses. Some actual reference to these matters might convince the public that the people in the department are in touch with and sympathetic to people’s needs.

I was amazed to read that the department had to give an account of itself to our public representatives 6,000 times in one year. Surely that reflects poorly on the efficiency of both the Oireachtas and the department.