Convalescent care

IN THE past, it was quite usual for anyone fit to leave hospital but not quite ready to go home, especially if they lived alone, to spend a few weeks in a convalescent home. This required fewer nurses and less equipment than hospital and cost far less.

Why were these places closed? We should reinvent them — and quickly. With the NHS under such severe pressure, using hotels and halls as convalescent homes during the winter could save many lives.

J. StEPHENS, Alton, Hants. THE problems in NHS hospitals will not be solved until they reinstate cottage hospitals, where the elderly can recuperate instead of occupying acute beds.

DOuG ELLiOt, Ormskirk, Lancs.