HAVING driven by car to Fairfield Hospital, along Rochdale Old Road, one Thursday afternoon, I totally support recent comments about the need for a new access route.

Because of traffic congestion my average speed from Wash Lane to Fairfield was six miles per hour.

The appropriate authorities obviously have to consider the cost of a new road, whether it be to local ratepayers or to central government. Accordingly, it is likely that the business management strategy known as "risk assessment" will be the main criterion being used in making the decision.

So perhaps the authorities consider it acceptable for there to be, say, up to four deaths over a two-year period resulting from delays in delivering seriously-ill or injured patients to Fairfield, via Rochdale Old Road. Maybe only then will the go-ahead be given for a new access route.

People may recall the tragic situation, more than 20 years ago, when the Irwell Valley section of the M62 was not illuminated, not until there had been around a dozen deaths in just over 18 months. Ironically, local people had predicted that this would happen.

So when you are being stretchered into the ambulance you may just have the strength to ask the paramedics to take you to North Manchester General Hospital via the M60 and Middleton Road. It would be quicker!!

NORMAN A. ELLISON,

Radcliffe.