Disjointed NHS

SIR – The CEO of NHS Providers, the chair of the Royal College of GPs and the CEO of the NHS Confederation (Letters, May 2) say that “frontline staff are as committed as ever and are working flat out.”

In military terms the writers are commenting as staff officers, sitting in their ivory towers and totally removed from what is happening on the frontline. Another way to put it is that their perception does not reflect my reality as an inpatient for 13 days. During my stay I was never seen by a consultant. As a result, my care was dysfunctional and I had to influence it on several occasions.

On admission I did not mention that I was medically qualified, had been a director of A&E, and had been a medical director and chief executive of a hospital. As well as not seeing the consultant, I always saw the nurses and junior doctors independently. Had there been a clear clinical plan the dysfunction would have been addressed. That is what used to happen.

This is not about resources and money. It is simply about care and clear planning.

D W Spence

Sheffield, South Yorkshire

SIR – On January 17 I went to Kingston Hospital for a CT scan on my chest – an appointment I ended up arranging with the hospital myself after waiting two months to be contacted. I am still waiting to be informed of the results, despite making numerous phone calls to my local medical centre.

Another example of our wonderful NHS at work.

Graham Collins

West Molesey, Surrey