Calling in patient relatives to help

Sir, – Hospitals in Ireland request that visitors adhere to strict visiting times and especially to vacate the premises at mealtimes. However, with an elderly mother in hospital and front line staff so hard-pressed (given new working arrangements), often her feeding needs are unmet.

I believe it is time for the Irish health care system to admit it cannot cope and adopt the Greek model which required family members to fulfil feeding and other auxiliary nursing roles. – Yours, etc,

EILEEN O’SULLIVAN,

Vevay Road,

Bray, Co Wicklow.