WHAT a confusing hotch potch of ideas the new reform of the NHS is. Health Secretary Alan Milburn and the Government seem obsessed with ratings for good and bad hospitals.

Why are some hospitals better than others, as they are all NHS hospitals? Are some better funded than others, and if so why?

They must be better managed, with more doctors, nursing staff and beds available. Why?

If bad management is the cause of poor hospitals, surely, this should be rectified at source. A mish-mash of all-thought-out ideas isn't the answer, fragmenting care into the private sector. Who will monitor the level of care given by them?

So many questions, no perfect answers.

The only way for hospitals to be successful is for them to have adequate budgets, good senior management, fewer tiers of management and more doctors, nurses and beds.

One frightening aspect of Mr Milburn's announcement is that he states care will largely be free. So what does that mean? Another dentist scenario?

Our NHS used to be the envy of the world, but is now being systematically destroyed, as the bad hospitals could be neglected further, worsening further the care of patients.

KATHLEEN BULCOCK (Mrs), Wilkie Avenue, Burnley.