Sir, – Having announced that the HSE is about to cull 75,000 medical cards in the coming year, it has been of interest to observe its modus operandi.
In October the HSE wrote to an 84-year-old lady who lives alone and suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. She had a medical card valid until 2016 and the HSE wished her to update her circumstances. Upon not receiving a reply it cancelled her card forthwith. This vulnerable lady has no capacity to deal with such requests. If the HSE had sent a registered letter to the patient it would have been dealt with appropriately by a family member. However, not only did the HSE cancel her card, but it never informed her. It operates with Gestapo tactics.
All this happens on the watch of Minister for Health James Reilly, authorised by him. Probity means being morally and ethically above reproach. It is another word used out of context by the Minister. He should stick to his vintage cars and leave the caring of people to the people who care. – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN CROWLEY GP,
Douglas East,
Cork.