‘Using the word ‘broken’ to describe the National Health Service is disrespectful’

• I THINK that it is time politicians stopped using the word “broken” – for example, secretary of state Wes Streeting – to describe the National Health Service.

It’s disrespectful to kind, hardworking staff but also inaccurate, (So what is the health secretary up to? Forum, October 24).

From experience as a patient, carer and volunteer, I would say it is extremely uneven.

In my part of Camden I have had an amazingly efficient service from University College London Hospitals and my GP surgery which makes maximum use of IT and is clearly aimed at prevention and early intervention.

On the other hand where I live I am surrounded by newly-built, specialist centres, yet round the corner accident and emergency is always packed with would-be patients spilling out into Gower Street.

The truth is that underneath the surface is injustice.

Any new funding must be diverted away from affluent areas with a stable population, low morbidity and maybe healthier lifestyles, to those characterised by unemployment, social exclusion and a severe lack of investment in services and infrastructure.

In the meantime, ministers, their advisers and commentators must understand that – to adapt a saying – negativity is the enemy of the good.

JEREMY WALKER, WC1