Review by health boards vital

The circumstances leading to the exhumation of the remains of a patient from a Wicklow cemetery yesterday should encourage a review of security in institutions where medication is dispensed, especially in hospitals.

Another exhumation may be ordered as gardaí investigate allegations of patients being given medication in excess of what was prescribed for them.

The garda investigation was prompted by information from the South Western Area Health Board, which is conducting its own independent medical investigation in the hospital involved.

Whether or not a prosecution follows on foot of the garda investigation, the case should cause other health boards to undertake a review of how safe and secure are the systems in the hospitals for which they are responsible.

While it would be invidious to suggest that a general laxity prevails in hospitals in regard to drugs and medication, the public should feel confident about the degree of care which is exercised by those responsible for our health service.

Trust in health professionals is something which is largely taken for granted, but it is not beyond the bounds that such trust can be breached.