Re: Medical card eligibility to be reviewed, HealthSupplement, June 12th
Dear Sir,
Your article states that 28.9 per cent of people in the Republic have medical cards.
In Northern Ireland, thanks to the introduction of the National Health Service in 1947, every citizen has a medical card, from infants to aged regardless of financial means.
Private health insurance is a rarity. Of course, as in any inclusive system, there are defects and always room for improvement. Nevertheless, during the past 60 years, the NHS has become an essential part of public service and a sine qua non for health matters in Northern Ireland. The convoluted health system in the Republic with its elaborate financial means testing, age qualifications, extensive private health insurance, etc would be a non-starter in Northern Ireland today.
Victor G Griffin, Limavady, Co Derry
Re: TVScope, HealthSupplement, May 31st
Dear Sir,
I wish to respond to a review by Marie Murray of the television programme Baby On Board. Ms Murray had an exaggerated view of the merits of this programme and failed to realise that there is a professional nursing service already for all mothers and babies in their homes.
This service responds to the birth notification from the hospital which is followed by an immediate visit to the family home. This is the HSE Public Health Nursing Service.
The public health nurse is a trained general nurse, midwife and has a higher diploma in public health nursing and many have added qualifications in parenting and counselling.
On the initial visit to the family, the public health nurse assesses their needs and may involve other support services where necessary. Their approach is holistic and includes all aspects of parental and child health. These nurses pride themselves on keeping their information updated and research based through ongoing education and training. This service will be available to mothers and babies/families long after the Baby On Board programme has ended its run.
Maresa Young (public health nurse), Foxrock, Dublin