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SIR – Sir Tony Blair has suggested that, in certain circumstances, NHS patients should be allowed to pay in order to skip the queue (report, July 6).
This from a man who, during his time in power, was instrumental in reducing the on-call duties of GPs, resulting in greater numbers of patients attending A&E departments.
My practice had total responsibility for patients 24 hours a day, but that changed overnight. Medicine became less personal, and quality was no longer in the hands of the patient’s GP or practice. Obviously, however, I was happy with the increased salary.
A close look needs to be taken at service delivery, not by civil servants or MPs but by involved professionals. Sadly, I suspect this will never happen.
Dr Tony Walsh
Tetbury, Gloucestershire
SIR – Sir Tony, as a prime minister with an overwhelming majority, had a golden opportunity to reform the NHS.
Instead his government created a new GP contract that arguably resulted in many of the problems we see today. Now, as a solution, he espouses a two-tier system favouring those who can afford it.
It is likely that Labour will win the next election with a massive majority, and will have a chance to initiate reform of NHS financing and management along the lines of systems in other countries with far better health outcomes. I fear, however, that it will only tinker at the edges.
Bill Todd
Whitton, Middlesex
SIR – Some weeks ago I was referred to my hospital’s orthopaedic department, as my spinal problem has worsened.
I eventually received a letter stating that I needed to see an orthopaedic specialist. However, no appointment was available.
Although I am not wealthy, I decided to make a private appointment with an orthopaedic consultant I have seen previously. Unfortunately, the earliest appointment is in five weeks’ time. According to the secretary I spoke to, everyone is going private because of the long waits in the NHS.
Janet Milliken
Folkestone, Kent
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