Sir, - Regarding the health professionals" industrial inaction, I think that they are behaving in a totally selfish and irresponsible manner.
When the nurses took strike action they made arrangements for patients to be properly cared for in their absence. In no way were patients left alone to suffer as a result of their action as is happening in the present situation. In the nurses action off duty staff came in and cared for patients while their colleagues were on the picket lines. This is why they gained our admiration and deserved their rise.
On the other hand the paramedics have lost any sympathy that I and any other member of the public may have had for them. When paramedics refer to patients as clients it makes my blood boil. Correctly speaking, a person who is "cared" for by a genuine health care professional such as a doctor or nurse is a patient. A client is the customer of an accountant, solicitor, hairdresser or prostitute! Still, I suppose that calling people clients just about sums up the uncaring attitude these people have towards the sick. - Yours, etc.,
Balyholan,
Ballina,
Co Mayo.