The gist of Polly Toynbee’s argument is obviously right (The NHS needs cooperation, not competition, to pull through, 19 February). The secretary of state and his department should concentrate on preserving, supporting and regulating our basic entitlement to care, and empower the local NHS to develop. Peter ThistlethwaiteSaltash, Cornwall• Integration within the NHS and between the NHS and local government is already happening in many areas and is bringing benefits to patients. This is set out in the 2017 Naylor review, NHS Property and Estates. Allyson Pollock’s NHS reinstatement bill signifies a good start, but even it omits the necessity of this element in a restructured NHS.

Source: The Guardian February 25, 2018 17:48 UTC