WE have all read and heard stories about how our local hospitals and clinics have struggled to deal with "winter pressures". Often it seems that it is older people who bear the brunt of long trolley waits, cancelled operations and overstays in hospitals.

Age Concern would be interested to hear from any older person who has experienced the NHS during the difficult winter months either this year or last. This would help us immensely in our work to improve the NHS and to ensure that it learns from the experiences of older people.

Experiences might include being unable to leave hospital because care at home has not been organised; having an operation cancelled due to a lack of beds; or being kept waiting for a long time in Accident and Emergency.

Please write to me at the Public Affairs Department, Age Concern England, 1268 London, London Road, London SW16 4ER.

KATEY KARAM