NHS SERVICES

BEN Bradshaw MP, an English Health Minister, thinks the English NHS provides a better service than the Welsh NHS despite spending less per patient in England than in Wales.
Tell that to the English patients denied cancer and dementia drugs, still having to pay for prescriptions and extortionate parking charges at hospitals which are free to Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish patients.
Exeter voters must remember Mr Bradshaw's statement at the next general election and show him the exit.

Roger Prescott
Fore Street, Plympton

In reply :

YOUR correspondents miss the point about health policy in Scotland and Wales.
If they believe free prescriptions for millionaires should be a priority for finite health spending, they will prefer the Welsh system.
If they agree hospitals should be forced to subsidise free car parking for anyone who wants to use their car parks, they will prefer the Scottish one.
However, if they believe NHS spending should focus on the speed and quality of healthcare, then they should favour the English system.
In England, we have shorter waits for operations, shorter waits in accident and emergency and it is easier to see a GP at a time that is convenient to you.
People in England can also now choose to have their operation anywhere.
I believe these priorities matter more to the public and I will defend them to the hilt.
Incidentally, 85 per cent of prescriptions issued in England are free and hospitals are advised to offer parking concessions to patients and visitors who need them.

Ben Bradshaw MP


"Ben Bradshaw of course doesn't once mention the funding differences. And I can respond to every other claim with a few personal experiences." - Dee (ARMCHAIR ACTIVISTS)

"To be born English is to win first prize in the lottery of life"