Sir, - Your leading article (January 21st) on the cost of hospitals, in particular the new Tallaght Hospital, in reality only portrays a symptom of a national problem.
For many years, particularly since the 1987 cutbacks in health spending, there has been a constant battle between consultant doctors and the Department of Health in relation to hospital spending. Anyone who has had to deal across a table with Department of Health Ministers and officials knows that it is very hard going indeed.
It is high time that the powers-that-be acknowledge the fact that the well-educated population of this country demands first class high-tech medical care across the board. Everyone now expects to live to 80 years and beyond in optimum health, and why not? However if something goes wrong in their management they will sue and almost certainly will receive compensation. Medical indemnity now costs a fortune and is rising every year. Doctors must have the best equipment and backup to meet patient demands.
Does the Minister, Mr Cowen, not realise that as a result of such pressures, costs must escalate each year. Instead of bullying the medical and nursing professions, the Government and the Minister should explain to the people of this country that they will have to pay more for what they want. Cutting the waiting lists as an election promise is a time-honoured joke. Get on the box, Mr Cowen, and level with the Irish people and stop blaming medical personnel for hospital deficits. - Yours, etc., (Dr) Niall O'Brien,
Sandymount, Dublin 4.