11 JUNE 1988, Page 28

Sir: Your leader 'Carry on nurse' is in- spired. It

can only have been written by someone with inside information. The basic contradiction between demanding high academic status, whilst at the same time advocating lower entry standards seems to have escaped the ridicule it merits. Mr Trevor Clay proudly proc- laimed, and was applauded by Mr John Moore, that his lack of academic qualifica- tions was no bar to his becoming what he is. This of course has no relevance as to whether he was or would be a good nurse. The tragedy now is that there is a wide gulf between the people who are nursing and those who manage them. It is not surpris- ing that communication with the latter on clinical or technical matters may be difficult if not impossible.

D. E. B. Powell

4 West Farm Close, Bridgend, Mid Glamorganshire