• THE rich and powerful often have huge 4X4s, with generous capacity, used for one adult and a couple of kids.

This capacity is there for grandparents, dogs and partners for special occasions. Likewise they have huge range ovens so they have capacity once a year for “the” turkey.

These intelligent, visionary, well-rewarded, people who have spare capacity in every aspect of their lives (second car, spare bedrooms) saw fit over the years, in face of expert advice and scenarios, to cut excess wards in hospitals, excess A&E departments, excess nurse and doctor training facilities.

They determined that excess served no purpose. There would be no emergency requiring this capacity or intensive care equipment and staff. There should only be the bare bones. All done to save money.

Now there is only the bare bones and the scramble to correct the situation. There are going to be many bones to bury and doctors will have to choose between a child, a wage earner, or a granny.

When it’s all over do not forget those who were really valuable in our society. The clapping is “feelgood” but remembering is more important.

FRANK DRAKE
Falkland Road, NW5