Patrick James

Mary Harney has a lot to answer for – that’s a fact! Recently, I had misfortune to visit my local A&E (accident & emergency) department in Beaumont hospital. I must admit that I didn’t quite realise how bad the standard of healthcare in Ireland really was – at its best point it was fair but for the most part it was poor. I wasn’t well but I’m very glad I wasn’t really sick! Firstly, let me state that the men and women working in the unit are fantastic human beings, working with very little as regards resources. When I made my visit it was quiet and not under the pressures of a hectic Saturday night, but even then it was apparent that they were understaffed and under-resourced. There was possibly only a dozen people needing treatment but yet the waiting time was approximately three hours (minimum)… which is unacceptable. How Mary Harney can justify anyone having to work in those conditions is beyond me – and how she can expect to justify miserable Irish healthcare is criminal – she should be ashamed to show her face in public. She should be stepping down as Minister for Health!