I SEE we have managed to reduce our rating to one star, which puts us in the medium class.

Surprisingly enough, the local population think we are quite good.

Interestingly enough there are three star hospitals throughout the country, and certainly in orthopaedic surgery, that are so bad they are about to have their training recognition withdrawn.

I cannot speak for the other specialities, or indeed other facilities which they may have to offer, but something which is so basic as trauma and orthopaedic surgery makes you wonder about the validity of many of these star ratings.

Most professionals that I know up and down the country at all levels really do not take them seriously, but unfortunately our ill informed politicians tend to. Surprisingly, however, local populations are much more discerning and certainly seem better informed.

A J Banks M.Sc., F.R.C.S.S.

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Chorley New Road

Bolton