Sir, - I was saddened to see the letter by Dr Bill Tormey (January 9th). While presenting a reasonable analysis of how good treatment for carcinoid tumours is available in Dublin, he goes on to contradict himself: "Patients are sometimes sent abroad, usually to London, for the isotope treatment options. . . I am sure that Tommie Gorman could have all treatment modalities somewhere in Dublin."
He is caught by his admitted prejudice between defending the system he works in and its inadequacies. If "Irish doctors, given more beds and back-up resources, will satisfy even the most cynical Irish patient", what are the (cynical) patients supposed to do in the meantime? Last but not least, he reinforces the unfortunate image of the arrogant consultant by defending his salary with the argument that he knows he's worth it and "to hell" with those who disagree.
Unfortunately, while most of his points are reasonable, the arrogance and disdain in his letter will contribute to the growing cynicism towards the medical profession. - Yours, etc.,
Dr BRIAN LARSEN,
Sale,
Cheshire,
England.