LIZ GILLEN,
Sir, - The E112 is not such an "elusive form". Over seven years ago, I was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the lacrimal gland (ACC). Within days of my assessment and initial surgery, it was agreed by my Consultant, Mr Paul Moriarity (Dublin Eye and Ear Hospital) that the optimum treatment was not available in Ireland at that time.
Immediately, he made the decision to use the E112 procedure and less than three weeks later, I was flown to the Orbital Clinic in the Academisch Medisch Centrum in Amsterdam where I was treated successfully. The Eastern Health Board dealt with forms and payments swiftly and efficiently and subsequent check-up visits to Holland were also subsidised in the same manner.
My consultant was at all times in regular contact with his fellow EU counterparts. As cancer patients, we may find we have to take many routes and paths to find the necessary treatment, but sometimes the conventional path works too. - Yours, etc.,
E. GALBRAITH, The Waterside, Dublin 4.
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Sir, - "Did Mr Gorman see an Irish oncologist or liver surgeon before seeking a second opinion in a pub in Budapest?" (I quote Dr John Crown's article of January 9th, responding to Kathy Sheridan's interview with Tommie Gorman in The Irish Times of December 31st). I am stunned at the insensitivity of such remarks, and from a member of a "caring profession".
I cannot debate the content of the December 31st article, but I did see the True Lives programme. It took enormous courage for Tommie Gorman to open up his private life and he did so to raise awareness about the existence of Form E112, which enables EU citizens to move between EU countries in pursuit of necessary and significant treatment. In Belgium a "watch and wait" approach was taken. Then a learned friend advised him about another option - new information, new course of action, no blame.
Both the Sligo specialist and the North Western Health Board's chief executive officer were admirable in their support and understanding.
Whatever the December 31st article "implied" or "alluded to", please, Dr Crown, keep up your good work, defend the "system" if you must, but please don't stoop to insulting patients - in this case Tommie Gorman. - Yours, etc.,
LIZ GILLEN, Deerpark East, Westport, Co Mayo.