IT is with dismay and sadness that I have been reading and learning of the problems with care in the NHS and failing Trusts.

I met recently with my friends, for a nursing reunion. Fifty years ago we began our nursing training at the Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Hospital, where we gained our orthopaedic nursing certificate.

Some of us gained our State registration at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and some at St. George's Hospital in London.

We trained when the ward sister's word was law and our training was rigorous, always, putting the patients' needs first.

Many of us suffered the wrath of Sister for not meeting her high standards!

We all agreed that to make the training of a nurse a University degree was when the "rot" set in. Nothing can take the place of qualifying as a professional than "hands on" and making patient care a priority.

I have no desire to criticise today's nursing because I realise that the system is entirely different now and that there are still some excellent nursing practices in our hospitals.

Neither do I want to make a political point but the continual cutting of NHS budgets by Central government is bound to affect how efficient our hospitals are.

I also appreciate that we are an aging population needing more care and that there is constant pressure on the service, but governments need to care and respect those who care for us.

Name and address supplied