Health mismanagement

■ In the light, or darkness, of the most recent scandal to engulf our health services, we should spare a thought for, and give support to, our very many excellent health professionals who are continuing to do a great job under difficult circumstances.

Our successive governments, Department of Health, HSE and health administrators seem to have learned nothing from past disasters, including the manner in which Bridget McCole was treated, the hepatitis scandal, hospital waiting lists, A&E overcrowding etc, yet our health professionals, especially our under-resourced nurses, have to continue to cope on a daily basis, and the vast majority of them do so in an excellent manner.

A few years ago I had to attend A&E with a hand injury, and more recently I attended with a family member who was seriously ill.

On both occasions I was very impressed with the level of care we received, in spite of overcrowding and staff working under pressure. If doctors or nurses make mistakes, they are usually held accountable, but we are continually failing to hold our Government ministers, Department of Health and HSE officials to account for their very serious mismanagement of our health services.

People who seek and achieve high office should not be immune, or protected, from prosecution or accountability for their serious mistakes.

Edward Horgan Castletroy, Co Limerick