When your correspondents consider the planned new centre for orthopaedics in Haywards Heath (Letters, April 15), it would be useful to step back from political dogma and look at the experience of our patients.

As a local GP, I am concerned by the current system. Patients face anxious waits to see a specialist in the out-patients, then waits to see physiotherapists or pain management specialists.

If they need an operation, they wait yet more time for an available bed, which may be cancelled at the last minute because of emergencies coming in.

The new system will solve some of these problems. The out-patients will be local and quicker and surgery will be guaranteed at times convenient to patients. There will be no more competition for beds with emergencies, as happens now.

People will be treated in a modern, purpose-built environment with state-of-the-art technology by a full team of NHS specialists offering a comprehensive range of treatments.

Hospital stays should be shorter and many procedures will be performed as day cases which will require only one trip. Follow-up can be local and more care will be offered in patients' homes for those who need it.

Although the company is private, all the care will be NHS, free at the point of use and available to all.

Some matters still need to be resolved, such as ensuring junior NHS doctors and others can receive training and that we make the journey as easy as possible. These are not insurmountable.

My experience as a GP tells me that what matters most is getting the best available treatment in a reasonable time. Late cancellations are deeply traumatic to us all.

I fully support the progress made so far.

-Dr Xavier Nalletamby, Professional Executive Committee, Brighton and Hove City PCT, St Peter's Medical Centre, Brighton