Letter: Care in crisis

Tuesday 02 February 1999 00:02 GMT

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: David Aaronovitch was out of date in his comparison of poor ancillary workers with wonderful nurses. Despite the antics of the unions, until Mrs Thatcher introduced "efficiency savings" into the NHS we had a large number of hospitals with highly effective ward teams, including often excellent ancillaries.

Mrs Thatcher privatised ancillary services. The contracts were won by the lowest bidders, who made money by cutting pay. No wonder they appear disaffected.

Many would argue hospitals will never be as effective again until ancillaries are restored to NHS conditions of service and real ward teams are rebuilt.

DAVID DUFFY

Ipswich, Suffolk

The writer was an NHS manager 1963-1982

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Letter: Care in crisis

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering