Home test false hope

SIR – I am sceptical about the suggestion that home tests for urinary tract infections will save 10 million GP trips a year (report, May 1).

Patients will still have to be prescribed antibiotics either by phone or at their surgery, with or without a kit.

Until Nice, the Department of Health and doctors promote prevention and simple self-help through effective hygiene, women will still cost themselves hours of pain and the country millions of pounds.

Angela Kilmartin

London EC2