Today’s letter writers comment on two distressing cases involving the NHS, the row in the Church of Scotland over same-sex relationships and the deportation of asylum seeker Kishor Dangol.
Ninewells managers must take responsibility Sir, The chutzpah of those at the top of NHS Tayside is breathtaking.
An elderly woman in their care was subjected, by their own admission, to “woefully inadequate, wholly inappropriate and utterly unacceptable treatment”.
Yet no person or group of persons takes responsibility.
Instead, we are given the usual platitudes about lessons learned, with changes implemented to education and specialist training given.
A nurse consultant in dementia care is subsequently appointed to ensure all staff have appropriate training and education.
How much specialist training does it take to know that a patient with dementia still requires food and often requires help feeding?
The withholding of food from this lady must have been one of the most distressing issues in this case.
But you would think by NHS Tayside’s response to this disturbing case that they were previously unaware that people with dementia should end up on an acute medical ward.
No doubt there has been a flurry of “protocol” writing at managerial level in response to the report’s findings.
But do the people at the top ever bother to find out if such protocols are being adhered to on a daily basis?
While the people at board level cannot be held responsible for every single act that is carried out on a ward, nevertheless, the case of Mrs V illustrates that there was either a complete breakdown of the chain of supervision and command or that one did not exist in the first place.
Whichever is the case, those at the top who take the salaries must take the responsibility.
J. Macpherson.2A Argyle Street,Dundee.
Outrageous lack of accountability
Sir, With reference to your front-page article (May 28) regarding the death of young Crieff boy Martyn Gray, all businesses have rules and regulations but those that survive and prosper learn to meet their objectives by working within, or round those regulations.
Would a farmer (which is what I do) leave a sick animal untended because he had already worked his statutory shift?
Would a car salesman ignore a potential sale just as he was leaving at the end of his day?
Would we have electricity after last week’s weather if engineers had not worked 24/7?
For our local ambulance service to be “on a break” knowing the child had stopped breathing is quite outrageous.
The ambulance personnel may well blame the management but, in this case, they should be ashamed of themselves.
Any professional, but especially those in human health care, needs dedication and commitment.
Those that cannot cope should get out. Those that can cope, should interpret the regulations with common sense.
The management no doubt have an input but, ultimately, the ambulance drivers and assistants are accountable to us, the customers.
William Halley.The Old Dairy,West Lochlane Farm,Crieff.
Kirk break-up inevitable
Sir, Is it time for fudge, procrastination and silence to be over and reality confronted?
Once again at this year’s General Assembly, we have seen the Church of Scotland dithering, delaying and setting up yet more committees instead of grasping the nettle.
What is this reality that is so unpalatable and which is being avoided?
The reality is that the differences between the conservative and progressive parties in the church are not peripheral, nor indeed are they primarily related to same sex-relations. They are fundamental and, I suspect, irreconcilable.
The reality is that there can be no peace in the church no matter how often we cry “peace, peace” and that a split is inevitable
This is what is so feared.
The Church of Scotland holds that the Word of God directs faith and life and this is fundamental to the constitution of the Church of Scotland.
It is not subject to change or amendment.
It seems to me that the progressive group wish to effect a radical change in the constitution of the church and stay within the church; a position which, in my view, is neither logical nor honourable.
The progressives are, of course, free to argue for a modernisation of the church; dispense with the Word of God as the supreme ruler of faith and life but, in doing, so a new church is being created; call it what you will.
It is those in the Church of Scotland who adhere to its doctrinal standards as constituted who can claim to be the Church of Scotland.
(Rev) David C. McLeod.6 Carseview Gardens,Dundee.
Extend stay to Gurkhas
Sir, I write with regard to your article (May 28) about Kishor Dangol’s deportation to Nepal being delayed two hours before he boarded a flight to his homeland.
A communist and journalist, he managed to get to Scotland where he has received many years of various kinds of help and support. He has also contributed to our society in a number of ways.
The Gurkhas, who also come from Nepal, fight and die for us, as volunteers admittedly, are still trying to get full rights to stay in the UK.
They fought communist rebels in Malaya, with distinction. They would also contribute to our society.
It would nice if Mr Dangol’s supporters could show the same level of interest in those other Nepalese to whom I have just referred.
A. T. Geddie.68 Carleton Avenue,Glenrothes.
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