If the NHS makes journeys to hospital longer, more ambulances and crews will be needed and, in rural areas, emergencies will place even greater calls on the air ambulance. John LoaderWest Witton, North Yorkshire• In your report of the proposed changes to hospital provision in Cumbria, distance was mentioned. Janet MansfieldAspatria, Cumbria• Total hospital bed numbers per 100,000 population for the year 2014 were: Germany 823, France 621, EU average for 28 countries 521, and the UK 273 (figures rounded to whole numbers). Yet a huge reduction is bed numbers is proposed. With this low base of bed numbers, there is no evidence whatsoever that increased community resources will decrease the need for hospital admission.

Source: The Guardian November 20, 2016 19:21 UTC