SHAY McCONNELL,
Madam, - The Pollock report into Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children confirms what parents, families and staff have known for many years: that Ireland's major paediatric facility is seriously outdated and in need of complete redevelopment.
The reaction of the Minister for Health - that a review due in January 2004 will allow us to move forward and that these things take time - is nothing short of an insult. This administration has been in power since 1997 and such a reaction shows how little priority Crumlin has got and will continue to get. The reaction of the spokesman for Crumlin that development is ongoing, would suggest that things are fine. This development refers to the new operating theatres announced by Brian Cowen in January 1998 but started only last year.
Perhaps if the board of Crumlin Hospital were more vocal and critical of the facilities that exist in Crumlin we would not be in the sorry state we are in now. It is my opinion that the board has been ineffectual in pursuing the interests of the hospital and the patients and their families who have to use its outdated facilities.
The news that two excellent candidates for badly needed paediatric cardiology posts have refused to take the positions because of the lack of essential facilities is a huge blow for families and staff. Will we now see a further deterioration in services for our children? Meanwhile, it takes over a year to get a public out-patients' appointment in the cardiac clinic in Crumlin.
As a parent of a sick child I am frustrated and disillusioned. - Yours, etc.
SHAY McCONNELL,
Brandon Road,
Dublin 12.