Positive experience of public service

In a time when public services are struggling to cope with cutbacks, I would like to share my recent positive experiences of the people working in some of those services.

I would like to thank the many people who assisted me when I was taken ill on the 4pm Dublin-Cork train on Saturday, May 17.

I would like to express my thanks to everyone — from the nurse who, when I fell faint, sent to the engine driver to ask assistance of a doctor; to Dr Liam Conroy and others also; to the driver who called the ambulance and stopped the train in Portlaoise to meet it; to the ambulance men who reassured me; and to my fellow members of St Joseph’s Young Priests Society who accompanied me.

Thank you also to the A&E staff in Portlaoise for their prompt attention and for contacting my family; to Dr Sharma and Dr Justin, and to the nursing and support staff members whose care and consideration left no stone unturned in enabling my swift return home.

Thanks also to the Evergreen Road Medi-Care Centre, who gave assistance throughout; to the staff of Iarnród Éireann, without whose co-operation it would have been impossible for me to receive such swift and caring attention. You are all in my prayers. Many, many thanks.

Irene Dermody

Green Lawn

Kinsale Road

Cork