TREATMENT may have improved fantastically in hospitals over the years, but hanging around time hasn't.

My sick father was told to report at a Liverpool hospital at 9.30am and five hours later we were still unsure whether he would get a bed that day.

We were sent walking from ward to assessment ward to ECG and back until a place was eventually secured.

It is so unfair for people in poor health to be messed around so much.

We battled through horrendous rush hour traffic in Slag Lane, Lowton, and into Liverpool, panicking that we may be late, but if we had been it wouldn't have mattered one jot.

People facing serious operations go through torment to prepare themselves for surgery and to be sent home disappointed must be horrendous. It happened to two patients while we were there.

Surely it would be more sensible if patients rang in on the morning of admittance to report they are coming and the hospital to ring back when their bed is available.

Having said that there can be no complaints whatsoever about the medical side. From the specialist and his team of surgeons, to intensive care nurses and ward staff, all have all been absolutely magnificent. They could not have given better care and attention and for that we are very grateful. They truly deserve the title of angels.