SIR: I write with concern regarding the comments made by Dr B Silvert about doctors in despair.

He says 'many Bolton doctors' are at the end of their tether, due to outrageous demands of some patients and asks that they accept responsibility for their own health and think twice. Does he advocate patients try to cure themselves (as many do anyway) and only seek help when one's condition has worsened beyond self help? I have done this myself.

He makes much of Christmas and New Year being horrendous. During this period there was a flu outbreak, in some cases coupled with a chest infection and four members of my family went down with this. Only one sought a GP's help and that was for a baby.

Dr Silvert is entitled to his leisure time. I fear, however, his comments will go over the heads of the patients they were aimed at, and oblige good patients to think twice, as he suggests, possibly at great risk, especially where babies, young children and the elderly are concerned.

I have been with my practice for 20 years (now in Lever Chambers) and in that time have had five home visits, including two following surgery.

My practice GPs also need leisure time, and there must be days when they would rather be elsewhere, but it doesn't show. I call that professionalism.

T Kemp, Kirkwall Drive, Bolton

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.