Madam, - Your edition of February 6th reports that Ms Liz McManus told the Dáil that 41 patients were waiting on trolleys for an in-patient bed in St James's Hospital, Dublin, two days ago. In response, Mr Brian Lenihan, reputedly one of the brighter denizens of the Dáil, spoke as follows:
"In relation to the Dublin hospitals, the Eastern Regional Health Authority has reported that the protocols in place to deal with increased demand on services are being fully adhered to."
If that is a bright response, I wouldn't like to hear a dim one. What on earth have protocols got to do with the suffering, fear and danger endured by Irish people as a result of our chaotic and indefensible health "service"? - Yours, etc.
ETHNA TINNEY, Bruree, Co Limerick.