Fair in a field. Top marks.

I'm now back in Wales. I would pass comment on my visit regarding your present A&E which I had cause to use whilst in town. I needed assistance by way of ambulance and treatment for my brother. The time 7am in the morning the problem loosing blood at a rate of knots and he disabled etc etc. The ambulance was punctual within 15 minutes from calling. The attendance first class and caring. Whisked off to Fairfield as being the first port of call for all emergencies in the Rochdale area. Good travel and quick. Treatment instant at the other end. Everything as it should have been and I for one (not being trained in these sorts of things) found it all very satisfactory. My brother was treated well, caringly, kindly and with professionalism at every turn. I would say it was probably better than I would have got here in Wales - although it's not that bad here considering we live in the back of beyond. Whatever may be happening within your various organisations and the lack of public consultations I can only say the people on the ground (in general) haven't lost their sense of care or priorities. I give them 10 out of 10 in this instance.

Good to hear that, Atlas.

How is your brother now?

A lot better thank you Spartacus. We await a new trial of 'pills' to see if we can arrest any further degeneration. Unfortunately it isn't something that can ever be put right again. It's all a lottery. My advice - do not stop working/having something reasonably energetic to do - ever. Retirement is all well and good but it has a down side. Keeping active as long as possible is always the best bet - even if you will inevitably lose the bet at the end of the day.