I TOTALLY agree with Mrs White that the wheelchair service is a shambles.

In February, six weeks before my discharge after five months in hospital and rehabilitation, a wheelchair was ordered for me. It was not ready until July of that year.

Luckily I was able to borrow one from the Red Cross, but as that was very heavy it was difficult for my wife and family to push.

I was in the fortunate position that I could afford to buy a lightweight chair, but there are many who cannot afford this, and so are disadvantaged for some time. The problem is one of funds. The wheelchair providers are only allowed to ask for so many per month, hence the long wait. This is useless for most people as when they are ordered they need them at that time There are many other things that would be a help, but one gets the feeling that you are very much on your own, and just have to get on with it as the NHS, although excellent in many ways, is pretty useless. But, as I said, what about those who can not afford some of these aids? It is very unfair on them.

Dr Alan Lloyd Davies, Goodworth Clatford