Sir, - I have refrained from entering the "right to die" controversy as I accepted the concept that a retired "medic" should not "voice" an opinion - if that is possible in a newspaper. In today's issue of your paper (April 22nd), Rev Dr Frank Collins opines that a person suffering untold agony in a terminal disease, or the relatives of a patient with a prolonged incurable illness must not request termination of torture. He apparently believes that - God approves of torture!
I had the privilege to be engaged in hospital medicine for over 40 years. Some of my patients survived, but oh how I agonised for the terminally ill.
A doctor friend of mine who was attacked by cancer asked his colleagues not to prolong his suffering in his terminal illness. Happily these caring doctors complied.
I hope that Mr Collins enjoys a happy and healthy life. - Yours, etc.,
The Hollies, Roscam Park, Galway.