I WAS most interested to read an advertisement in your publication for a "Director of Finance and Chief Executive Training scheme" for the National Health Service.

The qualifications to train for this post included an Honours Degree, GCSE maths and English grade "C" or above and then the energy to enhance performance.

It was noteworthy because of the attributes not mentioned, such as sensitivity to the needs of the service users, the patients who pay for the NHS

An NHS manager should not just be a manager, but should always seek to place the patients needs first.

Glaring examples of the contrary are often seen, look for instance at the Royal Bolton Hospital. The reception area is well appointed and capable of hosting a pop concert, while the Accident and Emergency patients are crammed in slave-ship like conditions in the waiting area. The facilities are very poor and typical of managers views of patients' needs.

Ms Sara L McGeehan

Hawksley Street, Horwich

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