THERE are many problems with the adequacy of service delivery by the NHS in Wales, in particular those needing ongoing care in the community.

Having said that, if you have friends, relations or colleagues living in England or Scotland, contact them. Ask them what they have to pay for when they receive community-based services for the chronically ill.

Yes, I did say pay for. Establish for yourselves, if you have such contacts, the evidence without media or political claptrap.

It has been alleged to me that Wales is not totally free from this charge – seems it depends where you live.

Although the Welsh service is not one patients need and deserve, it is better than others.

There has been much discussion on radio news regarding the role of the Commissioning Boards in England – another evil legacy of the Thatcher era that in my opinion continues in a clandestine manner.

If this creeping privatisation is allowed to continue across the board, will we have to pay for a police or fire and rescue service when we need them?

It is certain the money-driven Tories, division-motived Plaid and conscience-devoid Liberal Democrats will not protect any of these core services that are vulnerable to even more savagery. They have to be there!

Those who do not learn from their history are doomed to repeat it.

Nigel Pearce Risca