A chara, - I disagree with much of your recent editorial comment (December 13th) following the death of Bronagh Livingstone.
Firstly, you say that "it is very easy and cheap to blame the Minister". The subsequent independent report has found that Bronagh Livingstone's birth was imminent (at Monaghan) and that no attempt should have been made to transfer to Cavan General Hospital prior to delivery. However, despite all evidence to the contrary, the North Eastern Health Board report maintains that "the decision to transfer to Cavan General Hospital was the right one given the condition of the mother" and attempts to divert blame towards the local staff at Monaghan Hospital.
The independent report's findings, coupled with the NEHB's conflicting findings, surely make the NEHB's position untenable. Yet it is still in place and, significantly, it has refused to accept the resignation of its medical adviser. In short, the NEHB has failed to stand down and the Minister has failed to stand it down. Perhaps it is "easy and cheap" to criticise him, but such criticism is, nevertheless, justified. Simply sending in another consultant is not good enough.
Your Editorial went on to claim that "we all share the blame for a culture that is afraid to take responsibility, make decisions, do the right thing, or step outside protocols". If such a culture exists among staff, then this surely points to weak management, which has failed to draw up clear and appropriate protocols in the first place. Your claim is also most unfair on all those who are campaigning tirelessly for restoration of necessary facilities at Monaghan. For example, to protest outside Government buildings on a rota basis in the depths of winter requires a certain commitment and dedication.
I should add that my family had personal experience of Monaghan Hospital during the year and we have nothing but the highest praise for the care, attention and courtesy provided by the staff. It is to their utmost credit that this was provided despite the ongoing climate of uncertainty regarding the future of hospital services at Monaghan.
To use your own words, I find it particularly "easy and cheap" to divert blame to society in general. Someone needs to take responsibility. The NEHB has failed to do so; the Minister has also failed to do so. It is time for both to resign and for the Taoiseach to intervene in order to restore necessary hospital services to the people of the area - before any more lives are lost.
One must also question the cohesion and sincerity of a Government which affords "hub" status to Monaghan on the one hand but presides over the demise of its hospital services on the other. - Is mise,
TOMÁS DE BUITLÉIR,
Bóthar Chíosóg,
Inis,
Co an Chláir.