Sir, – The article by Shauna Bowers “Ageing population takes its toll on Ireland’s health system”, October 21st) highlights the difficulty faced by the elderly in accessing healthcare.
It describes the delays experienced by a 79-year-old woman in pain and in a wheelchair in trying to get admission to a hospital. It culminated in her giving up and deciding to return home.
This is a common experience in A&E. I am 85 years old. A few months ago I suffered several nose bleeds in one day and went to A&E in a northside hospital. It was crowded with patients young and old, some of whom were clearly in distress.
After two hours sitting in a straight-backed chair, I asked at reception how much longer I might have to wait. Another eight or nine hours I was told. At this, I left and returned home.
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Clearly the Government, after many years in power, have failed completely to provide a properly functioning heath service.
Help, however, is on the way! The proposed assisted dying legislation will provide the elderly with a “dignified” way to avoid long delays in A&E.
While initially it will apply to those facing a terminal illness, it will no doubt be extended, as in most other states where it has been adopted, to others, young and old, who find the pressures of life unbearable.
This will, at little cost, ease the pressure on hospitals, general practices and social services, and so on, and will reduce the cost of extended care for private insurance companies.
It will not matter if this places pressure on the old and infirm to cease being a burden on relatives and to release the value of their homes and savings for the younger generation.
For my part I will feel less safe because less will be spent on palliative care or support for the elderly. I respectfully request that our representatives in the Dáil and Senate vote against adoption of this legislation. – Yours, etc,
OWEN BOYLE,
Howth,
Co Dublin.