Madam, - Surely it cannot be beyond the intelligence of the Department of Health and Children and the HSE to develop a fast-tracking system for people where their GP suspects they have a life-threatening condition.
It is intolerable that anyone, rich or poor, should be left waiting to see a consultant because of a waiting list. This is fair for those who can wait a reasonable time. But urgent cases should go straight to the top of the queue for diagnosis and treatment even if some other patients have to wait a little longer.
The recent accounts of seriously ill patients waiting six months and longer is a condemnation of the whole of the health system and must question our sense of compassion. The key player in this system must be the GP, who should act as an advocate for the patient, and use the revised system to ensure the patient is seen and treated promptly.
Patients, for their part, must not feel shy about pushing their GPs if they seem to dally or be reluctant to take action, though in my experience this would be rare.
The Irish Society for Quality and Safety in Health has produced a booklet for patients called Let's Talk, which encourages patients to ask questions and not be afraid of insisting on appropriate care where, in their opinion, this is not forthcoming.
- Yours, etc,
DEIRDRE FITZSIMONS, Council Member, Irish Society for Quality and Safety in Health, PO Box 6448, Dublin 9.