RAW and bald figures without supporting evidence are bound to lead to the meaningless research and consequent statistical analysis ('GWH misses four hour A&E target', Gazette, April 9).

I had occasion to visit GWH A&E on Monday, March 16. I was directed, after a short waiting room stay, to cubicles.

I was seen, over the next six and half hours, by various members of staff, as they became available from ward; operating theatre; ambulance admissions and A&E walk-ins. Why wait so long? Overhearing a conversation in near cubicles gives evidence.

“Why did you come to A&E?” “I didn’t think I would get a GP appointment.” “When did you do this?” “Oh a week ago” was heard not just once. “Why have you come?” “Oh, the doctor sent me”. All not accident nor emergency! Of equal ‘horror’ was “I was drunk, fell and hurt my hand last night.” Advice included “don’t use the sling it will not help”. Next time I saw him he had his arm in his sling – but not before he declared that he had nowhere to go but “Social Services have found me a place for two nights. I’m 16”.

The accompanying girlfriend then came out with: “I’m pregnant”. “How long?” the nurse asked. “Three weeks”. “You will not even know yet!” was the response uttered with complete incredulity.

Why was A&E bursting at the seams? Complete silliness which replaces common sense and sheer system abuse when it comes to NHS facilities.

As for myself? The registrar saw me when he could get away following one of his operating theatre sessions. My broken hip was assessed to be replaced.

I was operated upon and was ‘up and running’ a day later to quickly be at home repairing fully and satisfied fully.

I do, however, remain deeply concerned about current political mentality ‘NHS services sell-off’. What is the analogy?

If you keep taking the pig away from the trough to see if it is heavy enough for market, it eventually dies!

Keep staff filling out paperwork and dealing with the non-essential public and the NHS service will be shown to fail. Perhaps that’s the agenda.

R P HEATH Walnut Close Rowde