Madam, - Dr Pat Plunkett's article on the A&E department in St James's Hospital (February 10th) was a dreadful reminder of what one can expect if one is unfortunate enough to have to go there as a result of an injury or sudden illness. I presume it is no different in A&E departments throughout the country.
I wonder how much appreciated by the general public was Dr Plunkett's decision to push the button to activate the major emergency plan on February 5th.
Here was a man who decided that enough was enough when he saw the conditions under which he and his fellow medical colleagues had to work. His concern for those seeking help in the A&E Department forced him to take action, which some may have considered extreme.
Dr Plunkett makes the point that there is no two-tier service in A&E departments. Everyone has to go there regardless of whether they have private medical care or not. Well, that's nice to know. I look forward to the day when the Taoiseach grazes his knee after falling off his skateboard and the Tánaiste sprains a delicate ankle during her line-dancing class and both end up in the A&E department in St James's Hospital for treatment.
As John Wayne once said, "That'll be the day"! - Yours, etc.,
BRENDAN M. REDMOND, Hazelbrook Road, Terenure, Dublin 6w.