AS an elderly person, I agreed with the letter from Walter Hall (Letters February 3), having had experience of being on a waiting list for over nine months now, to get on to a waiting list to see a consultant at Royal Bolton Hospital. I have been told that I will be waiting at least six months more when I manage to get on to that list.

So I was shocked by the tirade against Mr Hall by Mr R Halliwell (Letters February 8). I re-read Mr Hall's letter, seeking any criticism of consultants, doctors, nurses, staff etc. THERE WAS NONE. "Some elements of NHS management". Yes. The dedication of the above staff is beyond reproach and was not in question.

By your own words, Mr Halliwell, you have received the best treatment, and often, in our local hospital. A lot of elderly people in Bolton and districts would envy the way you have been treated so quickly and so often. I have been a compulsory contributor to the NHS since its inception until my retirement.

Andrew McGrath

Cox Green Road, Bromley Cross

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