Professor Michael O’Keeffe – silent intimidation in public hospitals

Surgeon warns over Temple St cancellations

A leading eye surgeon has said the sight of a number of children is at risk because of the cancellation of operations at Temple Street Hospital next week.

Professor Michael O’Keeffe said he would not be able to carry out vital operations on nine children, including a six-week-old baby, because there was no anaesthetist available.

The consultant said there was a lot of ‘silent intimidation’ of doctors in the public health system who were afraid to speak out.

Professor O’Keeffe said the public system was a disaster and was not being managed properly.

He said a different mindset operated there than in the private system.

Temple Street Hospital said it was having problems recruiting a paediatric anaesthetist and patients whose operations were cancelled would be prioritised.