Sir, - Dr Coleman Muldoon's suspension from the Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda is alarming - the grounds being that the average hospital stay of his patients was greater than the "national average".
As a classmate in medical school and subsequently a colleague for close on 40 years, I find it hard to believe that he is being penalised for his conscientiousness. Dr Ciaran O'Boyle, consultant physician at the Lourdes Hospital, recently drew attention to "his diligence, dedication and loyal service for 29 years".
When I worked in an acute hospital for many years, my patients occupied beds beyond my control, much to the exasperation of colleagues who had planned elective admissions.
It is of interest to note that the number of hospital beds per 100,000 of the population in Ireland is towards the bottom of the scale for EU countries.
Perhaps the North Eastern Health Board might look at its bed shortage and address the real issue. - Yours, etc.,
James M. Sheehan, FRCS, Ph.D, Blackrock Clinic, Blackrock, Co Dublin.