WHAT a refreshing change to read some praise for our beleaguered NHS in York at last (April 28). I would like to do likewise but, sadly, cannot.

When someone is told in December 1999 she needs two hip replacements and in May 2001 has no prospect of an operation in sight, something is amiss.

Now virtually housebound and in constant pain, I'm sure most people would agree that her quality of life is somewhat impaired.

Blood tests recently carried out now show she has a high level of rheumatoid arthritis.

What is totally unacceptable is the date of an appointment with a consultant to deal with this latest blow - scheduled for mid-August.

I would be interested to know how the Government's spin doctors could explain away such a dreadful scenario.

R S Wall,

Highthorn Road, York.

...RESPONDING to Mr Whiting's letter ('NHS Direct works', April 26), the good advice he had been given is mirrored by the genuine desire of the Labour Government to improve the basic standard of health care.

That it is succeeding is demonstrable by the fact that the NHS issue has long-since been taken off the Tory list of 'Labour gimmicks' with which to whip the Government.

NHS Direct is a unique service staffed by qualified nurses with special training to give professional advice within their competence over the phone.

It is also a valuable tool in monitoring the health of the nation. If Labour wins a second term in office it will remain firmly in place.

Olly Andrla,

Press Officer,

Vale of York Labour Party (North Branch), Sowerby,

Thirsk.

Updated: 10:24 Thursday, May 03, 2001