Hospital Breakdown SIR,—Havin g spent three years in varic - Js hospitals, and
being now in the greatest teaching and surgical hospital in England with a world-wide reputation, I think I can comment on the letters of M. A. R. Free- man and B. L. Alexander (September 16). Having seen the shortage of nurses here and the sacrifices of those remaining, I believe in the imminent break-up of the National Health Service.
The best commentary I know is that of the Senior House Officer here who, hearing a porter and carrier in a printing works and bookbindery grumble that he only averaged taking home £30 each week in- cluding overtime, said: 'I spent seven years training to be a doctor. I now work day and, often, much of the night. I have a wife, who has to work as a nurse, and a baby on the way—and I take home £8 12s. each week.'
PETER BAKER
Wilks Ward, Hunts House, Guys Hospital, London. SE1
Previous page
