I AM writing to you following my failed attempt last weekend to access the Worcestershire on-call doctor service.

I rang the designated number on numerous occasions throughout Saturday and Sunday.

My call was logged by an automated answer machine, but I was only able to move from 16th to 15th in line to have my call answered. This experience has left me feeling that Bromsgrove has no effective weekend on-call doctor service at all.

I am a nurse myself and therefore wholeheartedly support the need for doctors to work sensible hours and have quality time away from work pressures.

However, nurses and doctors are supposed to protect and serve society and, as such, any changes to the availability of health care must ensure that patients can access services when they are needed.

Bromsgrove is a rapidly expanding town; GP services are already stretched to the limit - it is almost impossible to see your own designated GP - unless you are able to give three weeks' notice. While I was able to manage my daughter's pain and distress over the weekend and eventually get her prescribed some antibiotics on the Monday, as a professional I am interested to know if any other Bromsgrove residents have had similar experiences.

I believe it is time that Worcestershire Primary Care Trust considered providing additional health services for Bromsgrove residents such as the development of a drop-in health centre within the High Street.

Heather Dale, Aston Fields,

Bromsgrove