APROPOS Mr P Challenger's letter and the paragraph relating to NHS Direct. I have had direct experience with NHS Direct.

In 2005 and again 2006 both my husband and myself have experienced difficulties with this new introduction. In my husband's case in 2006 I had occasion to telephone the service to ask for advice, which at the time I felt was urgent. The staff I spoke to were very nice and able to give advice to me - a novice in the ways of medical help. "Keep in touch and ring us back if you need any further help" they said.

However, it wasn't as simple as we thought - someone down south took the first NHS Direct call. When I rang back to report no progress, NHS Direct took the call up in Newcastle upon Tyne. Time and money wasted explaining everything again.

On the second time of ringing, we were advised to contact our Emergency Service (out of hours) doctor, which we did. He too gave advice and told me to ring back in an hour (7.35am). This I did, and was told to take my husband up to see him in Redditch, and added that he would be going off duty at 8pm. There was no way that we could drive safely to Redditch from Offenham in around 25 minutes. In the end it was the girls from our local surgery who provided the support we needed.

Recently my neighbour had to be admitted to Worcester Royal and I too was astounded by the fact that one had to pay for watching TV. I understand that a private company now provides this service, so we have to pay for the privilege.

About the car parking charges - if either my husband or myself have to visit Worcester or Evesham Hospitals, unless the other's presence is needed to be there, we usually try to combine the trip with someone else ie visiting the local garden centre where parking is free, and one can purchase a cuppa. Of course its not just the charges, but often the parking space is non-existent.

MRS B MARSH, Offenham.