OVER the last three months I have been visiting my wife Doris, who is a patient at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

I never cease to be impressed with the devotion of staff and care she is receiving from all those involved in her treatment.

However, too often I have heard the comment from nurses that they could do more but are understaffed, yet they know of newly qualified medical personnel in this area who cannot find jobs.

According to recent speeches I have heard from both the Tory and Labour parties this should not happen, as they both are committed to giving priority to bettering hospital services which should surely mean bringing staffing up to stated levels.

Could someone tell me what is going on. Please keep the answer simple and tell me if there are unfilled posts at the hospital and why?

Charles Golder Green Meadows Westhoughton