HAVING contracted MRSA whilst in hospital a number of years ago, it was with great sadness that I read of David Windsor's death from the dreaded disease and our sympathy must be with Mrs Windsor and her son for the loss of a husband and father to a disease which is largely preventable with appropriate care and attention to rigid hygiene practices.

I was lucky and recovered. It is no surprise to me that fateful problems continue to rifle their way through the NHS when one encounters those in powerful positions pursuing agenda that they themselves don't understand.

From the Gazette (March 4) I note that Richard James, chief executive of Cotswold and Vale Primary Care Trust, has started the "whispers" that Berkeley Hospital's future is in doubt. (Please remember the "whispers" which began many years ago about the possible closure of Standish. These "whispers" became a roar until the hospital was shut.)

He also posed the question as to whether the 20,000 population would find it more difficult to attend Frenchay (among other hospitals) than Berkeley. Proof positive that the man doesn't live in the real world.

Try travelling to Frenchay at peak hours, as I have done on many occasions, and you will find the journey an absolute nightmare. By the time one arrives at the hospital, blood pressure is at a level which is far from conducive to undergoing surgery!

Now move on to the Gazette of March 11. Surprise! Surprise! It is reported that there are "whispers" that Frenchay may be "downgraded to little more than a community health centre".

Is this where Mr James expects the 20,000 population to be served? How on earth is he in ignorance of such a plan? Or is he?

Let us give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he did not know of the Frenchay proposal. If he didn't, why didn't he? Don't these various health authorities speak to one another?

I utterly despair when those who require professional and convenient health services are faced with such utter incompetence.

In the past, many of your readers will have suffered the problems of securing chiropody appointments without a great deal of difficulty. The situation has improved considerably since the chief executive of the Cotswold and Vale Primary Care Trust was appointed to his current post.

Roy McWhannell Cam