IS IT really necessary to name and shame our Andover hospital following its recent CQC inspection?

I have no doubt that the vast majority of doctors, nurses and other staff at the hospital are dedicated and hardworking and do not deserve public criticism for relatively trivial concerns.

We learn that there are not enough processes for managing risk, but no suggestion that there are specific practices which are hazardous to health.

Existing processes are not always followed – perhaps a symptom of too many processes, which take away individual discretion.

The day care unit does not offer separate facilities for male and female patients, endangering their privacy and dignity.

The surgical facilities are underused and waiting lists for surgery are too long, which suggests that we need more doctors and nurses in these areas.

There has been a massive and insidious extension of bureaucracy over the last 40 years in this country, which shows no sign of abating despite the government’s expressed wish to cut back on red tape.

With continuing cutbacks in public spending, we have to make choices as to where the limited budgets are spent.

I would prefer to come to my local hospital in Andover for my treatment, accepting that some facilities may be better at larger hospitals. Provided the quality of the medical care is good and infection control measures sound, the rest is secondary and we should focus our limited resources on front line staff, with fewer managers and inspectors.

Note: I have no connection with the hospital or its staff.

David Heelas, Balksbury Hill, Upper Clatford.