Letters to the Editor

Your recent story (May 9, 2003) of a General Medical Council hearing involving Robert Phipps, a doctor facing charges of serious professional misconduct, reported his personal concerns regarding the treatment of some unidentified patients in Bradford who had undergone surgery for breast disease.

We very much regret if these claims have caused unnecessary anxiety to individual patients and their families.

We have been able to reassure those patients who have contacted us directly that these claims are without substance. Through the medium of the T&A, we hope to reach other women in the community to address their concerns.

All patients who have had surgery for breast disease in Bradford have been reviewed through our long-term follow-up procedures. If, at any time, any of these patients required further care and treatment, this would have been provided without delay. There is no need for any additional concerns on the part of any of these patients.

Our breast cancer services are regularly scrutinised by independent assessments, which have underlined it to be a first-class unit with high-calibre staff. It is regarded as one of the top three best-performing units in the region, and provides a service in which the Bradford community can have complete confidence.

In a recent assessment by experts from the regional Cancer Peer Review team, we were once again commended for meeting no less than 94.1 per cent of the mandatory standards for all cancer specialities, against a regional average of 79.4 per cent; and 100 per cent of the breast care standards, compared to a regional average of 74.1 per cent.

The recent launch of a new integrated service - bringing together the breast screening programme and the breast care hospital unit - is another important step in that direction for thousands of Bradford women.

So too is the achievement of the British Standards ISO quality accreditation by our breast screening service - one of only four across the county to do so.

We are determined to build on this success, and carry out further improvements for the women of Bradford.

David Jackson, chief executive, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Duckworth Lane, Bradford.

SIR - On April 23 public parkland, play areas and football pitches on Council-owned land off Knowles Lane were trespassed by persons in caravans. This was reported in your paper later in the week with what I consider some astonishing comments from the Conservative Executive councillor responsible for the environment portfolio, Councillor Hawkesworth.

Over the months we have read stories of the massive damage caused in Peel Park, and of council car parks in the city centre becoming unusable to shoppers and the business community, thereby losing people income and in some cases people not returning to Bradford to use the shops.

I was under the impression that all councillors have a statutory duty to the public in particular the executive members who can make decisions without consulting full council.

Why should council tax payers pay for this damage? I believe that Coun Hawkesworth should be reported to the District Auditor and investigated on this issue with a view to being surcharged for gross dereliction of duty for not allowing the council's officers to proceed to the courts to gain compensation for damage and loss of income.

If this had happened in the Ilkley ward she represents, I feel sure that she would have taken a different decision.

Alan Wainwright, Rushmoor Road, Holme Wood.

SIR - After reading the report in the T&A regarding the Reverend Peter Hedge (May 12), I felt I had to write in support of him.

Although I cannot comment on Mrs Kendall's awful experience, I feel that I should inform readers of my experience with the vicar.

When my son died, Peter could not have been more supportive to both myself and my family, both up to, during and after the service.

I found him to be a very caring, kind, considerate person and his support has been a great comfort to us all.

Mrs C Crowther, Chapel Lane, Queensbury.

SIR - Re D Ledgard's letter (May 12). I find his logic quite mystifying. He purports to stand up for Bradford yet he denigrates one of the city's greatest assets, Bradford Bulls.

Their exploits in Manchester, Edinburgh, Twickenham and Cardiff have given Bradford massive media exposure. They have proved to be fine ambassadors restoring some pride and prestige to the city.

I think their efforts contribute far more in fighting Bradford's corner than writing spiteful letters to the press.

G Walker, Pasture Rise, Clayton.