I CONGRATULATE Ruth Kelly MP on the birth of her child but cannot agree with her comments on health matters.

Her own Government branded the Royal Bolton Hospital as having some of the worst survival rates in England.

Had the spokesman made a logical answer to such official criticism, I would have listened.

I went with my wife to get forms for your minister's consultation early on. The first lady did not know what I was talking about and made it clear she considered we were wasting her time.

A second lady was more helpful, but gave us staff forms. Finally, we got the last two forms in the hospital. There was no attempt to make it easy for us to complete the forms.

It will be my health service when I have some say in electing and in sacking members of the Trust, whose salary I pay.

Finally, who was so unfeeling as to establish the wing for elderly people on the site of the former Poor Law Hospital?

I want to see the Royal Bolton work. After all, it was my campaign that resulted in its establishment.

David Young

Bramhall Avenue

Bolton