The collapse of primary care has left patients with little faith in the NHS

SIR – My wife had an accident and injured her hand, which was competently treated at A&E. The wound needs re-dressing every two days, yet when she contacted our local GP on March 26, she was told that the next available nurse appointment was on April 16.

The result is that she has to attend an NHS walk-in centre and suffer the inevitable wait.

I simply do not believe that primary care in this country is adequate, a view backed up by the latest survey on the NHS (“NHS satisfaction at lowest ebb amid long waits and lack of GPS”, report, March 27).

I am reminded of an article in your newspaper from August last year, advising anyone under 50 to leave this country. Unfortunately I am 77, so this is not really feasible.

Britain has become third-rate, and there seems to be no chance that things will improve any time soon. Patrick Harper-smith

Oxshott, Surrey SIR – Well done to Jemima Lewis for her brilliant article, “The NHS is a case study in how technology is ruining our lives” (Comment, March 28)

I am a fairly good techie, considering I am 85, but life is a nightmare with this online NHS. I rarely visit the doctor, but I had to ring my local surgery and all it said was that a doctor would ring me back a week later. I got an appointment another week after that. Two weeks’ wait at my age could mean I am no longer in this world.

I fear for the future, when perhaps I will no longer be up to date with technology. Valerie Arends London SW6

SIR – Jemima Lewis is spot on. My husband has no mobile phone and does not use a computer. However, I have a mobile and frequently receive text messages from our NHS GP and the local NHS hospital trust about his appointments and medication. We have visited and telephoned the GP receptionist several times, and our local hospital, explaining the need to communicate with him personally either by landline or letter. So far there has been no change.

Trot Lavelle London SE5

SIR – I am a volunteer member of my surgery’s patient participation group (PPG), and have read the NHS’S policy for “digital transformation”.

I raised with the NHS engagement service how important it is that the many people who do not use the internet have an alternative method of dealing with the NHS. I was assured by a senior member of that team that patients must have a choice that is non-digital.

Members of the many PPGS in the country should be speaking up if their surgery does not provide a clear alternative phone option for patients and their carers.

Linda Hughes