AG Waring, of Coombe Meadows, Chillington, writes:

The trials and tribulations of the NHS are never far from the front page, and perhaps it’s time we all faced up to the fact that what was created by the post-war government has been ­outpaced by everyday realities – the fact that we are all living longer with the inevitable result that more of us are likely to need medical treatment for a longer period of time, putting an intolerable strain on human resources and finance.

The answer may be painful, but I believe we need to ­consider that we – the general public – need to put our hands in our pockets.

If we expect the best care, we have to be ready to pay for it.

Additionally, the NHS itself could save a great deal of money by exiting entirely from: the abortion industry; IVF ­treatment; cosmetic surgery, except for the treatment of deformities; and embryonic research funding.

In addition to saving money, this would also release valuable members of staff to concentrate on treating patients who really need the services of health ­professionals.