Sir, – Paul Cullen's article regarding the absence of accountability in healthcare controversies reminded me of an experience in a major Dublin hospital four years ago ("Portlaoise deaths – buck rarely stops when inquiries involve white coats", Analysis, February 17th). I sought out the senior nurse on my ward and asked her who was in charge of my care. "We are," she replied. I asked her what she meant by "we". "The team is in charge of your care," she replied, to which I responded that meant no-one was in charge. Looking me straight in the eye, she said, "Yes, that is right, no one is in charge." If that is the prevailing culture in our hospitals, then we will continue to have inquiries leading nowhere, and no-one will be held responsible for poor performance or poor management.
As Paul Cullen observes, “Complainants are worn down by time and obstacles . . . and ultimately get on with their lives. Those under potential fire get the time to retire or otherwise bow out gracefully”. – Yours, etc,
DAVID McCABE,
Blackrock, Co Dublin.