A GOVERNMENT promise of 3,000 extra matrons, but in less than five years no more than half are on duty?

Management consultants cost £31million and this has risen to £500million between 2004-2006.

There was also £22million wasted on financial turnaround teams. We need to direct this massive expenditure of trust monies in the right direction.

Hospital consultant's average salaries are £110,000, trainee nurses £11,000 and when qualified £24,800, here is where the money should be used.

We have lost 23,000 posts in the last 18 months, such as thousands of specialist nurses, matrons and many other necessary medical staff have been sacrificed.

This is through bad decisions made by the health minister and hospital trusts.

Please help save our medical staff and hospitals as this service is indispensable.

GEORGE WELSH, Oswaldtwistle.