SIR: In recent times doctors who visit patients have been under the threat of more and more violence. Although this cannot be condoned it is becoming understandable as to why this happens.

Doctors' visiting has been politicised on economic grounds. This means that unless you visit a doctor's surgery or require hospitalisation, you will not receive treatment. That it is not in the interests of your health to leave your sick bed to visit a surgery is of no consequence; the doctors' needs these days are more important it seems.

Of course, there are trivial incidences that can dealt with by telephone, but how far has this gone? Anyone in the predicament of requiring a doctor's visit at home may be in for a shock. Those getting anxious about someone close who is ill in bed may not get the answer they need - no reassurances or comforting, only an abusive response that is, from the outset, likely to make matters worse.

For those frustrated and abused by their need for a doctor's visit, boiling over is a very real danger.

F and C Denham

Lymbridge Drive, Blackrod

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