Although our main concerns regarding hospital treatment are about our local hospitals, this should not prevent us from looking at the overall national picture.

Of the 156 NHS general hospitals in the recent government report, 34 per cent were placed in the top "star" category while 38 per cent were placed in the next category.

Of the less successful ones, only 19 per cent were given a single star while a mere nine per cent were given none. Clearly these figures are encouraging.

The issue of the moment, however, is whether the creation of foundation hospitals will improve standards so all hospitals will eventually receive the accolade.

Or will the existing division between the "haves" and the "have-nots" be perpetuated?

-RG Jenkins, Hove