Hunt must go over screening debacle
FOUR weeks ago I was admitted to hospital in an emergency. I had to wait four hours outside before I was seen and another 14 hours on a trolley in a busy corridor before they found a bed for me.
Now we read about the breast cancer blunder which could have killed up to 270 (Mirror, May 3). What’s the common factor here? Jeremy Hunt. At last he has popped his head over the parapet, but what has he been doing throughout this NHS crisis?
Many of the problems are being blamed on the staff, both medical and non-medical, but none of this is their fault. They work hard and put in long hours while retaining their cheerfulness. Why, might I ask, is Mr Hunt still in charge of the NHS? John Evans, Harrow, Gtr London Jeremy Hunt has apologised for the people who have passed away from breast cancer as a result of this IT glitch. But saying sorry is not good enough. In fact, that’s the only word he seems to use as he is always making mistakes. For once, Mr Hunt, just do the right thing and step down before any more people lose their lives. Mel Ingleton, Coulsdon, Gtr London The NHS is proactive in getting women to have regular breast screenings in the hope of saving lives. It is, therefore, unfortunate that some screenings affecting thousands of women have failed, resulting in late diagnosis and the possible premature deaths of many sufferers.
Since this was known for quite some time, it’s surprising that it has only been brought to light now. It’s important that this failure is investigated and no more lives are put at risk. Diane Silva, Lytham St Annes, Lancs
It’s so heart-breaking to read about preventable deaths from breast cancer and Jeremy Hunt saying sorry is not good enough. He should go the same way of Amber Rudd in the face of the Windrush scandal. Surely, this contemptible government cannot hang on for much longer? Sarah Smith, Brighton Ultimately the responsibility for these deaths from breast cancer lies with Jeremy Hunt but, of course, he has to blame other departments for this massive failure. It seems he is more interested in buying flats than running the NHS. Michael Maher Ashton-under-Lyne Gtr Manchester If the breast screening scandal was known about in January, why are we just hearing about it now? Had Jeremy Hunt hoped it wouldn’t get out? Saying sorry is not enough when lives have been lost and others have been put at risk. Hunt must go. E Forster South London