Re:Going abroad? Don't forget to seek cover, HealthSupplement, August 7th
Dear Sir,
The HealthSupplement article contains good advice, but another suggestion that doesn't cost anything should have been included for travellers, whether the purpose is business or pleasure, as well as for people going nowhere in particular.
You should keep ICE (In Case of Emergency) names and numbers on your mobile phone. These are the people who are to be notified if you are injured or become ill and are unable to speak to supply information to the paramedics or rescuers who may find that your phone gives no clue as which of the many contacts to alert.
ICE numbers, which should be marked ICE 1, 2 and 3 to show priority of notification, can easily be changed from country to country when necessary.
Do it now.
Jeanette F. Huber
"Ard na Lir"
Scilly, Kinsale,
Co Cork
Re:GP visits set to rise as more elderly remain at home, HealthSupplement, August 7th
Dear Sir,
I do believe there is, and always will be, a need for house calls.
Why?
There will always be people who live alone and who may not have transport. Then again, even if they do have transport, they may be too ill, too old, or too frail if ill, to use it.
People value their independence and may not wish to ask neighbours to take them to the doctor's surgery, wait for them and bring them home. That would be a lot to ask.
In addition, with so many people out working, there may not be neighbours available to drive people to the doctor's surgery.
In other areas, most of the neighbours may be elderly and unable to help.
According to the statisticians, our population is an ageing one and so services that will cater for the needs of that increasing segment of the population should be planned and implemented gradually, commensurate with that growth.
It would be very reassuring for me - aged 63, still working full-time and driving but living alone - to know that a doctor would make a house call, should it be necessary.
Margaret
(by e-mail)
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