SIR - I have just received my first Choose and Book letter from my GP.

I'd expected my GP to arrange all this when I saw him a while ago, and to then hear from the hospital. But no, it seems the Government now insists on this new system, saying it's so much swifter and easier for the patient.

I was told I could do it all through my computer.

But again, no, it seems that those who set up this latest mega-million NHS website haven't been able to get round to catering for what's quite a common web browser (mine) so I was stumped at the start.

Not even an e-mail option was offered.

My only remaining "choice" was to phone.

First came the robot voice, then the music, the voice, and so on. A real person did answer fairly quickly but it was then a question of having to give your referral number, checking your details and giving your password (which I eventually found in my GP's three-page letter).

All of which took time, effort and of course, cost.

What's also evident is that it's causing great problems for GP surgeries themselves, as they struggle to help patients baffled and bemused by yet another hugely expensive but dreadfully underplanned government venture. Perhaps our MP, Michael Foster, might care to comment?

LUKE ALBARIN, Worcester