Madam, - I was saddened to see the reports on the suggested neurosurgery unit for the West in your edition of Monday, September 22nd.
The discussion encapsulates a broader issue. Do Irish people wish to be treated by large and properly equipped staffed hospitals to which they may well have to travel or do they wish to be treated by small, understaffed and ill equipped institutions near to their homes?
If the preference is for a smaller number of larger, better equipped and better staffed hospitals, then part of this must be an upgrading of the ambulance service including dedicated helicopter transport when appropriate.
These are political decisions rather than medical decisions. As for my own preference, when I am run over by a steamroller, I would prefer the helicopter and a proper hospital. - Yours, etc.,
CHRISTOPHER PIDGEON, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9.