Sir, - It was heartening to read Kevin Myers's generous praise for the services he received from the medical profession in Tallaght Hospital (An Irishman's Diary, September 6th). Mr Myers asks why consultants are obliged to put in a seven-hour day and why nurses have to put in such gruelling hours and wonders if it is because the medical profession will work regardless of conditions.
I think that to a great degree medical professionals will work regardless of conditions because their raison d'etre is primarily to care and treat patients to the best of their ability; this fact (or weakness) has been exploited by successive governments over the years. Within this present explosive economy these conditions are rapidly becoming relatively worse and health professionals are being and will be forced to leave this otherwise wonderful sector.
I realise that salaries in the public health area make up 60 per cent of the total public health budget, so salary increases can have big financial implications for the Government. But if we want to continue to be provided with this exemplary service, the Government must significantly improve these conditions as a matter of urgency and I urge it to do so. - Yours, etc.,
Fionnuala Tansey, Chartered physiotherapist, Rock Road, Booterstown, Co Dublin.