Absolutely correct.

Our hospitals are full and getting admitted to one at the moment is extremely difficult. How can beds be reserved for private patients if there are no empty beds. We have the Nuffield Hospital in Shrewsbury which is completely private sector so if they need more beds why not expand the Nuffield?

I see nothing wrong with the Gobowen Hospital having a private ward, as they do, because the private sector is prepared to pay for the specialised services carried out in this teaching hospital. It is good for the Hospital, Professionals and Private Sector without dominating the NHS function of the Hospital. That is a case where the Private Sector can help the NHS.

If the government want to address the hospital population problem they should look at bed blocking caused by the government's failure to address the problems of care in the community for the elderly. Some transitional accommodation is required for elderly patients fit for discharge but having a need to adapt their homes or the homes of relatives they live with. Some will require low level care whilst they regain their strength and receive physiotherapy not requiring the full services of the main stream critical care hospitals. Some will need to change their life styles from independent living to sheltered or care homes where their conditions can be properly managed and time is required to make the arrangements. This could be managed through an expansion of the community hospitals closer to the patients homes.

When the hospitals have spare beds we can then consider what to do with them based on surplus capacity.

It would be better if our doctors were employed full time instead of having a foot in each camp so that the NHS can use the increased time to the maximum effect as good value for money and make a bit on the use of their services by the private sector. But I'm not holding my breath on any of this because it is reasonable rather than Tory political correctness.

I've got an idea. Cottage hospitals. Oh, I forgot ...

I will make a statement to the shropshire star, Ian Collett of Ludlow is talking through the top of his head, on what basis does he make his statement any factual information to back up his statement.

I know several nurses, who have said on many occaions to me about the state of the NHS and that private paying patients get preference over everyone else. Not just the beds situation, but everything. Their surgeries are done first, they waiting times are none existent, they rarely get notes lost or appointments lost.

Now in my case, I have been living and suffering with permanant pain and muscle problems for nearly 13 years now and I am no closer to any reslovement of it. I keep repeatedly getting passed from pillar to post between this department and that department, notes not entered onto the system or lost or both, told one thing and then the records show something else. Before anyone says anything, no I am not a person in their late 40s or 50s or 60s. I am only in my very early 30's and I have been suffering since just after my 20th birthday! I was back at the PRH recently and something off my MRI has not been referred (my MRI was done my a private firm as the PRH "does not do MRI's" according to my GP - my MRI was done a year ago) and in fact my MRI (which took 11yrs to get) is no longer on my records (digital or paper) even though it should be. I was given some injections to try and help and was promised that within 8-10wks I would of had my follow up..... Triple the max time later I finally get my follow up! IF I got referred from them to another department I will be waiting years for an appointment as they deal with GP referrals and private patients first (as they have a NHS set time limit to see referrals in), where as refferals between hospital departments have no set time limit and are only dealt with as and when they have time to add 1 or 2 into their system.

So excuse me, IF I have no faith in the NHS.