Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir,-I refer to the cancer patient who was upset by hospital rules (September 6).
As someone who has recently had radiotherapy, I believe that NHS Tayside’s procedures, as required by schedule one of the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(MR)R) 2000, are aimed at protecting the patient against hazards associated with ionising radiation.
They endeavour to ensure that the right dose is given to the right patient at the right time.
It is my understanding that any patient identification procedure should include three identities typically name, address and date of birth.
Some identification procedures or patient identity verification systems also require in addition, community health index number, bar code number and/or photograph.
It appears that this patient had two radiotherapy treatments in which confirmation of his name, address and date of birth satisfied the requirements of identity verification.
It was only when he was ask to give, in addition, his CHI number before his third scheduled dose of radiotherapy that the problem arose.
Does this mean that NHS Tayside’s written procedures with regard to patient identification verification are open to interpretation by individual members of staff?
Such an unfortunate situation could be avoided if, at the planning stage of radiotherapy, patients are informed of the essential importance of remembering the CHI number.
Patients should also at this time receive detailed information advising them as to what will be required to verify their identity.
It is comforting to know that patient safety receives such high attention.
Ronald N. Macdonald.28 Church Street,Carnoustie.
Trees make way for turbines
Sir,-I refer to Marion Lang’s letter (September 2) regarding the barking policies of the Forestry Commission.
At a recent meeting in Fife, the commission admitted they were looking to destroy about 30 hectares of prime forestry, plus access roads in Fife, to allow an energy company to put up about 30 410-foot wind turbines in a number of huge, industrial scale projects.
The single driving force seems to be the money the commission can syphon from the energy bill payer in what amounts to a not very well hidden regressive tax.
This is particularly galling as so many people are already in fuel poverty, without the huge rises we have all seen this month on our direct debits.
It was clear from the views expressed to the commission representative that at least some of the people of west Fife have twigged that the windfarm scam is well and truly on Fife’s doorstep and promises a screen of turbines stretching all along the north coast of the Forth from Stirling to Levenmouth.
It is time to let our elected politicians and planning officials know in no uncertain terms just how we feel about the rape of our beautiful estuarial landscape.
John Wilson.Dunduff,Dunfermline.
Copying Bible frowned on
Sir,-Our church newsletter this week informed us that, as part of celebrations to mark the 500th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible, people all over the country have been invited to copy a verse from the Bible.
The Queen will be writing the last verse in Westminster Abbey.
A request was made to the management of the Kingdom Shopping Centre, Glenrothes, for a stall to be used for people to copy a Bible verse.
Permission was refused on the grounds that this would be seen as supporting a religion.
As a Christian, I understand that our country is mainly Christian and this decision could be considered highly offensive.
Do I now take it that the management of the shopping centre is likely to ban the sale of Easter eggs and cards, all Christmas festivities and Christmas shopping as well?
Will they ban the sale of pork and pies by the butchers and bakers, and close down the charity shop being operated by the Salvation Army, so as not to offend the various religions?
In the present economic climate this would surely exacerbate the demise of many businesses.
Or is this just political correctness rearing its ugly head again?
Trevor Hickie.Gateside,Fife.
Wall in need of proper repair
Sir,-A section of wall bordering Bowerswell Road, Perth, was brought down during heavy rain weeks ago, yet the wall has remained unrepaired and the road closed off ever since.
I have been told the wall is not the responsibility of Perth and Kinross Council and that the owners of the property the grounds of Bowerswell House have been given six months to effect repairs.
These are six months during which an important access route to the extensive housing estates on the hill will remain closed and all traffic diverted to the very narrow and unsuitable Manse Road or to the circuitory alternative, Murrayshall Road.
I cannot understand why the wall is not the responsibility of the council.
Is Bowerswell House not Perth’s war memorial?
Is the council not responsible for rendering the wall safe and clearing the road?
I understood that councils have the power to undertake repairs and send the bill to the owners.
George K. McMillan.5 Mount Tabor Avenue,Perth.
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.