Our passion for the health of the NHS is a strong topic in today’s letters, while there is also support for threatened deer and Trident and another letter poses a poignant question.
Hospital situation should have been averted
Sir, The continuing overnight closure of the A & E department at the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, is a major cause for concern for anyone living in rural north east Fife, particularly so for those of us who reside in the East Neuk.
We are faced with, as your report says, a long journey over winding rural roads. Whether the destination of the casualty is Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, or the Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline, the journey time will be of the order of one hour, if not longer.
The end result of the extended journey time is that some of those casualties who might have been saved had they been taken to the Victoria Hospital, in Kirkcaldy, will die before they can reach either of the alternatives. This is wholly unacceptable and ought to have been averted by proper, long-term planning.
More worryingly, perhaps, is the long-term future of the A & E department at the Victoria Hospital. Bearing in mind there were moves afoot some time ago to close it and transfer all A & E cases to the Queen Margaret Hospital, one can easily envisage a scenario where that would raise its ugly head again.
No doubt the case for closure would be presented along the lines of, the temporary arrangement has worked very well, we can provide a better service with all A & E on one site, we can provide a more cost efficient service and so on. The cost-efficient part would doubtless be the main consideration in any decision.
The main purpose of A & E departments is the early treatment of injuries, which in turn gives a better longterm outcome for the patient. If the welfare of the patient was afforded more consideration then the health board might realise that the current situation represents a complete failure on their part to carry out their duties properly.
George Thomson.44 Viewforth Place,Pittenweem.
Best care in the world
Sir, After following the health service under the microscope articles may I be permitted to send my thanks to Ninewells Cardiac Unit who looked after and are still looking after me. I had an angioplasty operation which went slightly wrong, but thanks to the skill of the surgeon and his staff I am now on the mend and I have nothing but praise for all the staff I met when there.
Nothing was too much bother and always a smile and a bit of fun to help make getting better easier. I am still under the surgeon and will be for a good while yet but it makes me thankful that we have free access to the finest care in the world.
We have all paid taxes and moaned when they have gone up, but when we need the NHS they supply all the help we need at no extra cost.
I know that I will have to continue treatment but it is a lot better knowing we have some of the best people looking after us.
Archie Peffers.12 Burnside Street,Carnoustie.
It really is a sin!
Sir, What a world we live in. A shy, inoffensive deer which for two years has existed harmoniously alongside its human neighbours, itself a source of joy and wonder, is then deemed a safety hazard and shot.
What an absolute sin. It was no more a danger than the ubiquitous domesticated dog or cat. This act would appear at odds with the modern remit to create urban wildlife corridors within the city.
I would suggest the 50% chance of survival with sedation is preferable to the percentage on offer once in the marksman’s sights.
G. Webster.East Haddon Road,Dundee.
Local support wasn’t needed
Sir, Readers with long memories may recall that, for more than six years, Pro Market Park (Crieff) Limited has been campaigning to retain Crieff’s historic park as a public green space. The park’s owners, Crieff Highland Gathering Limited, want to see it developed as a Sainsbury’s supermarket.
We recently held a very successful car-boot sale in the park, as part of the Crieff Gala Day, and decided that, as well as making a donation to the Crieff Community Initiative the gala day organisers we should donate £100 to the games. Sadly, our cheque has been returned as “not needed”.
Throughout this year, the games directors have made numerous appeals for sponsorship and other funding, having failed to attract a main sponsor for the event.
While we are implacably opposed to any commercial development in the park, we are warm supporters of Crieff Games, with which many of us have connections going back 50 years and more. In the great scheme of things, £100 is a trifling sum, but was sent with goodwill in response to the directors’ request for local support. How sad it has not been accepted.
Jean Ann Scott Miller. Company Secretary.Pro Market Park (Crieff) Limited,Pittachar,Crieff.
Be wiser to keep Trident?
Sir, When France declined America’s invitation to support its military adventure in Iraq, the US was so incensed that even french fries and French mustard were boycotted.
When the man who murdered over 100 American citizens was released by the Scottish Executive, there was barely a squeak from the American Government. In fact, America continues to enjoy Scotch whisky!
Now, following the old political adage that when things are bad at home direct attention abroad, a floundering American administration is launching a multi-pronged attack on the old colonial power using oil, Megrahi and Libya (in all of which areas the US was complicit), and issuing “invitations” to British ministers to submit to senatorial inquisitions, knowing full well they will be refused, further alienating Britain in American eyes.
With a “senior partner” capable of stagemanaging an international crisis so ably, maybe we would be wise to hang on to Trident!
George Dobbie.51 Airlie Street,Alyth.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL.