SIR – I have been reading with interest about the plans for an NHS shake-up which could lead to one of Worcestershire’s A&E units closing (Worcester News, June 14).
Hospital bosses say there is a shortfall of £50 million but if they do close an A&E department, don’t they think a lot more lives will be lost in an emergency and people who have a heart attack or any major trauma may not make it to Worcestershire Royal Hospital in time?
And if they do get there Worcestershire Royal’s doctors and nurses are already stretched to the limit and won’t be able to cope.
They give the reason for the shake-up because there is a growing elderly population.
Why is it when things go wrong it’s always the elderly people who suffer?
At least the majority of the people who are elderly have probably paid for their care by paying their taxes and stamps all their working life.
Not like all our foreign visitors who come to the country on visas and get free medical treatment at our hospitals.
They should start charging any foreign nationals who come here to work on a visa for hospital treatment.
When we go abroad, if we get sick we have to pay for treatment so why not here?
It would help get some money back.
CAROLE ROBERTS
Worcester
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here