NHS needs a root and branch reform

AFTER three decades working in the NHS, I would not argue with much that Brian Taylor writes in his letter “NHS commission is sorely needed”.

Mr Taylor’s comments are, however, a bit one-sided in that he does not mention users of the NHS who abuse the service by missing appointments which costs £1bn a year, and wasted medication which is prescribed but not taken, costing £300m per year.

There are also the consequences of lifestyle choices which cost the NHS £billions per year, e.g. obesity.

NHS staff are also often on the receiving end of abuse which does nothing for morale and retention.

The NHS owes £80bn on PFI hospitals which are worth just £12bn and servicing these contracts is crippling the hospitals concerned - taking a ‘one-off hit’ to settle these contracts is not an option.