Madam, - There appears to be much controversy over the siting of a new children's hospital in Dublin. It is being reported in the media that an international panel of experts was involved in the decision to locate the new facility at the Mater.
I was one of those consulted by way of a telephone conversation with a member of the task force. The purpose of that dialogue was to discuss the parameters against which a decision could be made and in particular which other specialties should ideally be co-located. This indeed is what appears at 5.7 in the task force report.
I did not see the report nor was I involved in making the decision.
Making decisions such as this is always difficult. We have a responsibility to our children to make sure they have access to the best health care for the 21st century. - Yours, etc,
Prof Sir ALAN CRAFT, Past President, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Madam, - The delays in the Luas just cost money. The delays over the new children's hospital will cost lives. The quickest option is the Mater. Let us get on with it. - Yours, etc,
KIERAN STAUNTON, Kiltipper Close, Tallaght, Dublin 24.