What qualifies for an urgent NHS referral?

sir – Having waited weeks for a specialist appointment, I learnt from a general practice receptionist that the request had not been sent and wouldn’t be sent for some time, because “it isn’t urgent”.

It appears that unless the request mentions the word “cancer”, it is held back. The Government can thus claim that cancers are being fast-tracked and hospital waiting lists are falling. Yet other conditions can be just as dangerous.

When I was working in the NHS, all appointments were sent out the same day and the specialist decided on their urgency.

Keith Ferris FRCS

Coxheath, Kent

sir – Medical school places should be increased (report, February 23), and medical student apprenticeships would help.

As someone with over 50 years’ experience of teaching medical students, I am convinced that, as apprentices, they can work in healthcare organisations while fulfilling university curriculum requirements. This occurred during the early stages of the pandemic, when many students volunteered to assist in intensive-care units, with great benefits for all concerned.

At present some 40 per cent of medical students are employed part-time, mainly in the hospitality industry, to supplement their cost of living. How much better would it be if they were employed with their educational needs integrated into healthcare settings – for example, as paid ward or theatre assistants, or in GP surgeries and care homes?

This increased patient contact and valuable clinical experience would assist with staff shortages as well as being of educational benefit. Emeritus Prof Irving Taylor FRCS Edgware, Middlesex