IN response to 'Praise for prompt attention' (Letters, March 9), Brian Booth's experiences -- although for knee replacement and not hip replacement -- are far removed from mine, which are;

December, 1999: visit to GP with very painful knee. May, 2000: Sent for X-ray -- onset of osteoarthritis revealed, followed by rapid deterioration of condition with leg thinner and inch shorter and curvature of spine.

January, 2001: serious arthritis to hip and back revealed.

July, 2001: see consultant -- after six-month wait. July, 2002: routine operation scheduled -- after 12-month wait.

Meanwhile: Acute pain at all times -- morphine-based painkiller next step.

Naturally, I wish Mr Booth well and hope he continues to make good progress, but fail to see why his total waiting time from visiting his GP to his operation was 16 weeks and in my case 130 weeks.

Name and address received.