Write to letters@thetimes.co.ukSir, The government’s efforts to speed up waiting times for routine treatments are to be applauded (news, Jan 4). Here in East Sussex, as long ago as the 1980s, community hospitals in the smaller towns were envisaged as a necklace of support for the main hospitals providing exactly the diagnostic provision and GP support needed to avoid the gridlock that we find at major hospitals today. Much of the equipment needed for this back-up was funded by the community as people realised the potential of their local hospital and the invaluable services on offer. Decades have passed but the template is there for the present government to follow to achieve their ambitions. Chris GebbieFormer NHS authority member, Ringmer, E SussexSir,

Source: The Times January 06, 2025 09:27 UTC