AS A CITIZEN of Oxford, can some intelligent person please explain to me why a very famous hospital, the John Radcliffe, renowned throughout the world, is in such dire straits?

It is very true to say that we take no notice of situations until we become personally affected.

Without going into too much personal detail, a very important and loved member of my family requires a very necessary operation (which could be life-saving). After being given two dates to have this operation, they were then cancelled.

First excuse – there was not anaesthetist, and the second excuse, the surgeon and his team had worked through the night before on an emergency and needed to rest (there were no other surgical teams available).

So far he has not been given another date.

May I speak on behalf of all patients who have had important operations cancelled and say how horrendous this situation is.

Not only are these people playing with our physical health, but most of all our mental health.

It also adds insult to injury when we read of the do-gooders in this country bringing foreigners in for free treatment given to them by our hospitals and medical staff. How much is a loved one’s life? As a family, we have always worked and paid our dues, and made no claim on the social services.

To say we are angry, disappointed and worried is an understatement.

So can someone out there please tell me why?

KITTY SPAIN Iffley Road, Oxford