HOW on earth can the local health organisation permit the development of a new hospital at Waltham? Absolutely ridiculous and a waste of NHS money.

It is well out in the wilds, therefore will jeopardise the health of patients who need emergency treatment via ambulances.

This extra distance to go could indeed jeopardise life, especially via the road system. There would certainly be more traffic. Visitors, and patients for appointments, would face astronomical parking fees, if they can find a parking space.

If you do not have a vehicle and rely on public transport, you face high fares; if you have a bus pass appointments must be later in the day. And buses increase the uncertainty of getting there on time.

The money would be better spent on existing hospitals, ensuring more wards are available, and updating equipment.

The staff that would be at the new hospital could help run the existing ones, and no need for extra managerial staff, so more nursing staff could be employed. Simple.

G N BARRETT, Alresford.