THE case of David Schofield (BEN, February 25) highlights the problem which patients continue to face, due to the Royal Bolton Hospital's practice of cancelling operations at the last minute, which is contrary to Government policy. A spokesman for the hospital was reported in the BEN on February 11, as saying that they have been working hard to address the situation, but it would appear from this latest case that little has changed.

Many of those affected are elderly male patients who are unable or unwilling to protest like Mr Schofield. They often live alone, and, in addition to the stress of facing an operation, they have had to make arrangements to close up their homes, including cancelling deliveries of milk, papers, etc. and arrange for relatives or friends to take them to hospital, only to find that their operation has been cancelled on the day.

Some patients have been put through this on more than two occasions. Once they have been admitted, they are then treated in the antiquated, overcrowded conditions which exist on the wards in Block A, and which are not conducive to efficiency.

The administrative staff responsible have no idea of the amount of stress and inconvenience that the patients have to suffer as a result of their actions, and many elderly people are unable to cope with it. Their actions are giving the hospital a bad name, at a time when the medical staff are doing their best under difficult conditions. It is simply not acceptable for patients to be treated in this way.

When the hospital was awarded one star, it was made clear by the Government that many of the problems facing the hospital were administrative ones, and this is one example.

Perhaps John Brunt, the Chief Executive, could inform the people of Bolton of the current policy regarding cancelled operations.

Regular Hospital Visitor

(Name and address supplied)

ONE MAN PROTEST: David Schofield had his operation cancelled twice at the Royal Bolton Hospital