SIR - The threat to the Macmillan unit at Evesham Community Hospital is appalling. We also hear of women with breast cancer being denied the standard of treatment to which they are entitled. In Worcester the use of public toilets is restricted, which makes life particularly difficult for the elderly. These are just a few examples of the manner in which harsh financial pressures adversely affect our well being here in the UK.

Yet the media and our leaders tell us continuously that we are a `sick' country. No doubt a small minority of individuals in the UK are very sick. One has in mind the chairman of privatised industries, proprietors of national newspapers, Premiership footballers, `pop' idols and so forth. However, being an 87-year-old pensioner, I feel anything but sick! I fancy there are vast number of people like me in this town and in this country.

Surely if we really live in a well-endowed country the NHS should be able to fulfil all our needs without constant nagging financial restraints.

Furthermore, public toilets should be available from 6am to midnight, if not throughout 24 hours. Undoubtedly the Prime Minister's desire to end poverty in Africa is praiseworthy.

However, one tends to feel, in the circumstances, that maybe charity should begin at home.

D E MARGRETT

Worcester.