I was appalled to learn that the British Red Cross had been called out, not to a war zone, but to a hospital A&E department.

This is truly tragic for all involved and demands immediate intervention. 

The NHS, our national treasure, is seriously underfunded.

The government says it has given the NHS increased funds but this seems to be a sticking plaster to cover a gaping wound.

While the NHS is under-funded and under-staffed, money is wasted in paying for agency staff to step in to cover gaps.

Creeping privatisation has resulted in money leaving the NHS to go into private pockets.

Government policies of reorganisation without appropriate resources have wrecked the NHS, as has the aim of running the NHS like a business.

It is not a business but a national service. 

Like most ordinary people, I am willing to pay a little more in taxes if I can be sure that the money will go to the NHS.

Tax-dodging practices by the wealthy should be ended and funds recouped should go to the national good.

The last time the electorate voted, the result was largely a protest against too much immigration and a lack of employment and resources in deprived areas.

The next time we vote, I hope there will be a party standing which has a viable plan to restore the NHS again to a great public service.

DOROTHY TURNER
Cirencester