Letter: Don't blame patients

Sir: Frank Dobson, the Secretary of State for Health, paints an inaccurate picture of patients thoughtlessly abusing the health service and its staff ("TV chief charts new course in the health service", 9 October). Most people in our experience are conscientious users, who instead often do not get respect from staff - respect for people's insight and expertise in managing long-term illness as well as common courtesies.

The Long-Term Medical Conditions Alliance - an alliance of 70 national organisations, representing over half a million patients - welcomes a review of the Patient's Charter. But we want included standards for more information and better communication - needs backed up by our research - rather than being lectured.

JUDY WILSON

Director

The Long-Term Medical Conditions Alliance

London EC1