You report that a man with severe asthma had to wait 37 hours in casualty for a hospital bed (News, page 3, 29 January). You also report concerns about proposed performance indicators for the NHS (News Focus, pages 10-11, 29 January).

Performance indicators were forced on local authorities because they were seen to be inefficient and unresponsive. The best have turned that to advantage by publishing much more than they are required to, and engaging their stakeholders in real and meaningful participation in shaping service delivery.

The health service can seize the opportunity to do the same, convincing the people who pay for it of its strengths and encouraging more informed public debate on how resources can be best concentrated.

Peter Heaton,

Marketing and communications director,

The Mental After Care Association,

London WC1.