Madam, - I am disappointed that Tánaiste and Minister for Health, Mary Harney (July 7th) does not seem to understand the seriousness of the situation facing my wife, Breda, or appreciate the pain and suffering she has had to endure because of the delays in fitting the promised intrathecal pump.
The Tánaiste says the clinicians are "making their judgment as to her best care". The clinical judgment in regard to her condition was made last November when all involved agreed that her best interests would be served by the fitting of this pump.
The Tánaiste made no attempt in her letter to explain why it has taken so long for Breda to have the pump fitted, even allowing for the fact that only five such procedures have been carried out in this country. Nobody should be asked to endure such pain and suffering when relief is available.
Finally, I am concerned about Ms Harney's criticism of Pat Rabbitte for raising this case. Since I first brought Breda's plight to the attention of Pat Rabbitte in April he has worked tirelessly on her behalf. It was only when all other channels had failed that (with our agreement) he raised the issue in the Dáil. - Yours, etc,
TONY O'GORMAN, Doon East, Ballybunion, Co Kerry.