FINDING THE HOURS

As a relatively new subscriber

(but long-time reader) of your magazine, I have enjoyed the varied and usually balanced opinions published. I was thus disappointed to read the recent article by Alasdair Mitchell regarding firearms licensing (Sharpshooter, 19 October). As a relatively senior medic with a number of medical friends, colleagues and family, I was surprised to read said writer roll out the old argument of GPS working part-time because they can afford to.

Perhaps rather than money, these GPS are working part-time due to the never-ending pressure of working within the NHS? The in excess of 100 patient contacts per day? The little or no available support from secondary care? Or the constant negative press by the uninformed?

I will also mention that as licensing is a private arrangement it cannot be done in NHS time, so by going part-time these GPS can spend more time servicing Mr Mitchell’s personal requirements.

Pete Robbins, by email is — in Shooting Times (News, 21 September) — wearing his halo. I think he thoroughly deserves it. St Cygnus, do you think?

David Hannam, by email

Mike Swan or St Cygnus?