ASK not what others can do for you... ask what you can do for others. That maxim has been taken to heart by the people of Worcestershire in recent weeks, to the great benefit of St Richard's Hospice.

A total of 15,000 books, 13,000 of them from the general public, has been donated to the first St Richard's charity shop devoted to literature - a library that has been offered in only six weeks.

Add to that the fact that the hospice has gained 15 volunteers in that period, and readers will be able to see, once again, how valued the work of the hospice is in our community.

Over the past 17 years, St Richard's has touched the lives of more and more people - but its vital work needs a constant supply of funds to keep it going.

Now, with its efforts to raise £4m towards building a new 10-bed unit, the hospice needs the support of Worcestershire folk more than ever.

And those needs highlight an issue on which our recently re-elected MPs would do very well to reflect.

The work of hospices is regularly praised in every quarter, yet moves to make respite care part of the National Health Service's responsibilities have never succeeded.

We believe there's a very strong argument that the medical, pastoral and spiritual care of the terminally ill should not be left to the mercy of charity fund-raising - no matter how willing and generous the community.

As they return to the House of Commons, Messrs Foster, Luff and Spicer should consider how they can work together to bring pressure on Mr Blair's government to help the cause.

In Downing Street, yesterday, the Prime Minister stressed the critical importance of investment in - and reform of - the National Health Service. It should not, we suggest, ignore the claims of the hospice movement.