Letter: The future of the NHS: political consensus and the divisions that remain

Sir: With reference to your series on the future of the National Health Service and today's theme of community care for the elderly ("A new system that can cost an arm and possibly your house too", 15 June), I can substantiate Nicholas Timmins' excellent article. Last week my elderly parents, who live in Powys, were informed by both their district nurse and occupational therapist that the provision of equipment to assist with care at home had not been provided free since 1 April 1995 and, in future, will be charged at commercial rates for such aids.

I could scarcely believe such policies could be insidiously introduced. No doubt, it will soon spread to other counties.

Yours sincerely,

IRIS MINTRIM

Shoebury,

Essex

15 June