Is the NHS broken or simply undervalued?

MY ELDERLY father is in hospital and to say that I am disappointed with the level of care (nursing, medical, ancillary and the social care system) is a massive understatement. People are working so hard in an NHS that is no longer fit for purpose. I retired in 2013 after 43 years as an NHS nurse. During that time we had to adjust to changes of government and changes in systems, processes and policies. These were not always for the better: often we were just trying to reinvent the wheel.

It is clear the NHS needs complete reform to address the healthcare needs of the 21st century. What we need is politicians with the courage to first say so, then agree and work together on a viable plan. Yes, it is a massive challenge. But simply handing the NHS more money is, in my opinion, like pouring water into a bucket with holes in it.

JO COLMAN, Maidstone, Kent.

THE NHS can still offer a first-class service once a patient is admitted. My wife was recently rushed to the cardiac unit of the Royal United Hospital in Bath, after having a blackout and being injured in the subsequent fall. She was on a trolley for several hours before a bed became available but was regularly checked on and cared for during that time. In the cardiac unit, the care from both doctors and nurses was superlative. Whatever may be wrong with the NHS is no fault of the staff at the sharp end.

GORDON MORRIS, southwick, wilts.

MY PARTNER recently had a total knee replacement, funded by the NHS, at a private hospital. The care and kindness he received there were outstanding, the infection control was meticulous and the hospital spotless. I was also able to borrow sanitised rehabilitation equipment from the Red Cross, free of charge. Where but in Britain could we access such marvellous treatment? Despite the selfish strikes, I am heartily sick of hearing the NHS spoken of in wholly negative terms.

EDWINA SMART, eastleigh, hants.