August 27: NHS chiefs need knowledge of the front line

WITH reference to Hugh Rogers (The Yorkshire Post, August 17), I am fully aware that most of those in authority and associated with hospitals possess much talent and have acquired high administration skills.

Nevertheless, I feel that they will only be able to make the very best contribution and benefit their profession as a whole if they have had “first hand” experience, and this really comprehend the demands and problems facing the nurses and utterly dedicated staff employed on “the shop floor”. Only the one who has learnt to serve is qualified to lead, and lead efficiently.

From: Hilary Andrews, Nursery Lane, Leeds.

YOUR newspaper has drawn much attention to the stresses in the NHS (The Yorkshire Post, August 18 and 19). Is this any wonder when the population refuses to take any responsibility for their own health? People attend A&E with coughs and colds. They are sent there because they are found drunk in the streets and attend their GP or hospitals with Type 2 diabetes caused by overeating or with problems due to smoking.

No organisation providing free medical care can continue to be sustainable if the population is unwilling to take some care for their own wellbeing.