Sir, – As a person with ankylosing spondylitis, I would like to applaud and thank The Irish Times and in particular Amanda Geard for her insightful article on living well with the disease which appeared in the always excellent Health & Family supplement ("Why are we still waiting? – the painful reality for over 15,000 arthritis sufferers", April 10th).
A figure of 15,285 on rheumatology waiting lists is too high, especially when early diagnosis of arthritic conditions is crucial. What a pity that it appears speed of access to this excellent care is dependent on whether one has private health insurance. Arthritic pain is the same for all, irrespective of income. – Yours, etc,
EAMONN COSGROVE,
Ballinteer,
READ SOME MORE
Dublin 16.