SIR: On Tuesday last, I had a telephone conversation with my brother who is aged 77 years and resides in Shrewsbury.

He told me that within the last couple of weeks he had undergone surgery on a hernia at his local hospital. On admission he was given a shaving brush and a razor to prepare himself for the operation. But for his condition I am sure he would have laughed himself silly in spite of several near misses which drew blood.

Furthermore, he was discharged from the hospital the day after the operation and was told that he would have to change the dressing himself or get the services of a nurse from a doctor's surgery.

I would hope that these circumstances do not happen in many hospitals and I wonder if the NHS is changing to an emergency status only.

Could it be that elderly people like myself are now less welcome as patients in our hospitals and will vote accordingly at the election.

J Holding

Victoria Court

Stocks Park Drive, Horwich

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