THE latest statistics show that hospital waiting lists have risen by 47,000 in the last three months.

So, in just over one year of the new Labour government, hospital waiting lists have risen by nearly 150,000.

Even Frank Dobson, the beleagured Health Secretary, has conceded that he is embarrassed by this record rise, and well he should be, considering all the boasting he did in opposition of how New Labour would cut the lists by 100,000.

Mr Dobson insists that extra resources are being put into the health service and says that he hopes to cut the waiting lists by 100,000 in the next year.

Even if that is achieved, there will still be 47,000 more people on the lists than there were under the Tory government.

It's all very well throwing money at the problem, but, without a strategic plan to cut the waiting lists, it will just be swallowed up and wasted.

While Mr Dobson appears to be a nice man, he has obviously been promoted beyond his abilities. He will have to go sooner or later.

J LEE, Ramsgreave Drive, Blackburn.

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