Madam, Dr Peter Conlon (May 9th) raises a number of pertinent questions regarding the funding issues currently being faced by acute hospitals and particularly by the five Dublin academic teaching hospitals. However, his claim that "hospital administrators are happy to see hospital beds occupied by patients waiting to go to nursing homes because they are relatively cheap to keep" is simply not true.
No one involved in the management or provision of health services in Ireland takes any satisfaction in delivering less than the best possible service in the most appropriate setting to all patients in our care. I feel it is disingenuous and offensive for anyone to suggest otherwise. - Yours, etc.,
JOHN P. LAMONT,
Chief Executive,
Beaumont Hospital,
Dublin 9.