Letters

So was the mayoral debate worth it?

What did we learn from the four of our finest and best?

Well, there's to be a medical officer for health in London. That's good, then: a£120,000 salary to be spent on more strategy and consultation papers. Plus the assistants, office furniture and publicity budget. They all agreed on that.

From the Liberals, there will be an 'advisory panel' to add on more expenses.

It's OK though, for London Health Link (that's the regional association of CHCs) will have a seat. Probably.

That's taken care of the public participation bit.

What else then? Um. . . er. . . look at my notes again. . . not a lot more. A bit about more funding from Ken, which was fine for he only stayed long enough to take his jacket off and put it back on again. Annual health debate from Susan, annual report for London from Frank, commission for public health from Steven (sorry, I'm so familiar with your names). Cost of living and working in London from everybody.

Not a squeak about the real NHS issues - and you don't need me to tell you what they are - for that is not in their brief. And they didn't want to talk about them - they can't do anything about them. Then they all left. So what were they there for?

Well, they've ticked the box which says 'Speak to health professionals'.

At least it's clearer what their priority will not be: health.

WW Coltham Bexleyheath Kent