Sir, – The spat between Holles Street and St Vincent’s Hospital Group about control of the new maternity unit in the grounds of St Vincent’s highlights two things.
First, it highlights the influence that religious orders place on a service that is almost exclusively State-funded, and the public needs to be informed as to how religious ownership and governance might affect patient care. I can see no reason for religious orders to own hospitals unless they they want to ensure that the hospitals function in accordance with certain religious beliefs.
Second, the overall governance of “voluntary” hospitals also needs to be studied. They are State-funded, but seem not to be under the control of the HSE. The old adage should apply – he who pays the piper calls the tune. – Yours, etc,
GARRY BURY,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.