I am a senior receptionist working for a GPs' surgery in Hove. I write with regards to the issue of GPs' surgeries being forced to open for extra hours.

GPs and their staff are struggling to cope with extra patients who they are expected to see every day. This situation comes as a direct result of Government policy which allows millions of people to come into this country with no thought for those of us working in the public sector who cannot cope any longer.

A large part of our day is spent dealing with patients who speak little or no English and who therefore require interpreters, which in turn requires double-length appointments with the GP.

There seems to be an increasing demand for our services with no end in sight or indeed any risk assessment for GPs or their staff.

  • Margaret Abbott, Hangleton Way Hove