Madam, - On a recent visit to London, I found it necessary to visit the A&E department of the local hospital, the Chelsea and Westminster. It could not have provided a greater contrast to present conditions in our hospitals here in the Republic.
I was seen without any delay in a bright and airy outpatients' department, conspicuously clean, was examined in a well equipped private cubicle, and had a complete investigation and treatment for my complaint, all within a couple of hours.
I was informed that no serious problem had been found but was offered admission then, or later that day, or the following day, if I still felt ill and in need of it. I was also given a supply of medication.
Thus reassured, I departed to my hotel, and did not need to return to the hospital.
This experience was a very good one. Staff were welcoming, most sympathetic and friendly, and inspired confidence. I left feeling relieved and thankful and reflecting on the appalling conditions in our own hospitals, where a visit to the A&E is such a terrible ordeal, even though all agree that staff here are always kind and competent too, in spite of the dreadful conditions in which they are working.
If Britain appears to have turned things around so well and so speedily, why can we not do likewise and offer a caring environment to sick people when they need it most? In fact, why have we endured this situation for so long? - Yours, etc.,
JIM CUMBERTON,
Ballsbridge,
Dublin 4.