AT regular intervals, we are informed by the BEN of financial problems at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

On the latest occasion, Thursday, September 20, overspending by hospital bosses was blamed. According to Mrs Peacock this could lead to schemes for improving patient services being axed.

Could we be told which plans could be axed? Is the modernisation of the last of the so-called "Nightingale Wards" among them? If so, this is disgraceful as improvements are long overdue -- from about 1939.

If this was happening in schools or colleges, Ofsted would appear, heads would be removed and inefficient staff either dismissed or given a limited length of time to improve.

It would seem to be time for a shake-up on the Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust Board.

Ex-patient

(Name and

address supplied)