Madam, - Permit me a response to Fergus Ledwith's letter of August 29th.
On June 18th, while on holiday in northern Spain, my wife sustained a critical heatstroke. As a consequence she was admitted to the Spanish hospital system, where she remained in intensive care for eight weeks prior to transfer to a hospital in Dublin, where her recovery continues satisfactorily.
On the advice of clinicians at the admitting hospital, and of those of our relatives with medical expertise, we opted for public care as having the resources appropriate to the gravity of her condition.
Throughout the ensuing two months my family and I were continually impressed by the quality of care provided by the health service of Asturias Province and by the diligence of all medical and other staff. This service was free to all, regardless of their means. That her E111 card gave immediate and unquestioned access to that system was truly remarkable.
The favourable impression of hygiene standards which Mr Ledwith formed in his private hospital was fully shared by me. This quality seems to be more a product of the inherent Spanish character than of the system of management in the caring establishment.
I trust that, were a Spanish visitor to encounter a similar situation in the Irish healthcare system, they would find it adequately resourced to ensure an equally favourable outcome. - Yours, etc,
MILO KANE,
Bettyglen,
Raheny,
Dublin 5.