Sir, - As an organisation we are concerned with the situation regarding the provision of paediatric cardiac facilities in this country. We are particularly concerned with the facilities in Our Lady's Hospital in Crumlin, which is the national centre for paediatric cardiology.
We were very disappointed to learn that there is not enough money in the National Development Plan for the hospital development programme, which will include a new cardiac wing.
Until this development takes place there will be no long-term solution to the problems facing children suffering from congenital heart defects and their families.
The following are included in the recommendations in the just published Bristol inquiry.
"There was too little recognition that the state of buildings and of equipment could cause actual harm to the children.
"It would be reassuring to believe that it could not happen again. We cannot give that reassurance. Unless lessons are learned, it certainly could happen again".
Surely this must set alarm bells ringing, here we have a 50- year-old hospital which has had no major investment since the 1970s.
If this administration is to convince us that it is serious about providing adequate cardiac care for children, then it needs to put in place the necessary facilities to treat them. Until now the Government has only acted when it has been embarrassed in the media. This is not good enough in the present economic climate. We have been let down yet again by those who should be looking after the interests of our children.
For once can the Government instigate positive change instead of reacting to crisis? We feel that as a matter of urgency the development plan for Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children should be included in the current National Development Plan. - Yours, etc.,
Shay McConnell, Chairman, The Carmichael Centre, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7.