National Covid Service

sir – Laura Donnelly’s report (“NHS at risk of becoming ‘Covid-only’ health service”, October 1) proves that the powers-that-be have failed to take heed of what my wife, a retired GP, wrote to you in a letter published on August 29.

She said: “Can Matt Hancock explain why he has decided to change our National Health Service into a National Covid Service that only treats one condition? The rest of us suffer and die in silence.”

I learnt to listen to my wife more than 40 years ago – perhaps Matt Hancock and others should do likewise. Lt Col Richard Castle Claygate, Surrey

sir – A recent experience has made clear to me why non-covid deaths are increasing.

I called my GP surgery for an appointment but got no answer, so I went there.

It was locked and the lights were off, but I rang the intercom and an irate person came to the door and put a leaflet through the letterbox telling me I had to contact them online.

After a lengthy process, I managed to do this, but was then informed that appointments were not currently available. No means of leaving a message was offered.

Charles Holt

London SE11

sir – Like Bruce Chalmers (Letters, September 30), I have seen my dentist and hygienist, and also my physiotherapist and chiropodist many times, but GPS are conspicuous by their absence – apart from on the end of a telephone line.

I also object to having to share personal medical details with a receptionist in order to have a conversation with my doctor. Joan Manning Barton-on-sea, Hampshire

sir – How difficult can it be to pay for the services of a company that can test all NHS staff regularly?

The level of incompetence is so high that soon we will be without any other healthcare apart from that which is dedicated to Covid.

What does Matt Hancock actually do? This situation requires someone who can get things done and not just spout political rhetoric. John Williams Nuneaton, Warwickshire