Sir, – When a renowned neurologist with an international reputation agrees that the Irish health service is mad “and it is getting madder”, those who are not should worry.
Dr Norman Delanty’s comment (November 10th) raises an ethical question. Many doctors, like him, devote their lives, with love in their hearts for their fellow man, to the common good. How, therefore, can those who work against them claim their behaviour is ethical? Doctors are subjected to rigorous and uncompromising ethical standards, which they willingly and enthusiastically accept. Those standards should also apply to management, support staff in all departments, trade union leaders, and government. Sadly the only standard that seems to apply to them is “is what we do legal?” It’s maddening. – Yours, etc,