Who cares?
Sirs: I have no quarrel with Alexandra Artley's ode to the NHS (`Our Medical Heritage,' 12 December), but does the debate on whether governments fund the NHS adequately or not have to be reduced to the level of the 'affectionate NHS', and the 'soulless private sector'?
Miss Artley bases her verdict on the Portland Hospital on their brochure! In reality, the atmosphere is a far cry from her description (and yes, newborns do raise their arms). I had my first child in this `soulless' place, and the staff, made up of caring and hard-working doctors, nurses and midwives, turned this potentially diffi- cult and frightening experience into a happy and memorable one for both my husband and me.
The NHS is no doubt a great institution, and I am delighted to hear of Miss Artley's positive experience of childbirth at Uni- versity College Hospital, but even she must know this does not reflect the reality for many women who are subjected to un- necessarily long labours due to lack of staff, or needlessly painful ones because of lack of epidurals.
The private sector is no more a purely money-making machine than the NHS is an affectionate and caring establishment. Both are only as good as the people who work for them. The important factor is choice, which is what democracy is all about.
P. Moor
13 Princess Road, London NW1
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