Letters: Second opinion is needed after TV doctor’s diagnosis

My experience of the staff was so different that I cannot believe it was the same ward.

My mother was in for nine weeks covering the same Christmas period. In that time, I visited her every single day and was treated with respect, courtesy and compassion by the doctors, nurses and all staff involved with my mother’s treatment.

I can only think that Dr Logan’s emotional involvement conflicted with his medical detachment in a highly stressful situation.

No-one is beyond criticism, but it serves no useful purpose to harangue the committed, hard-working staff in our hospitals.

James Knight, John Street, Joppa, Edinburgh

Take it easy and save many lives

Alastair Macintyre (Letters, January 7) has misgivings about my suggestion that a blanket speed restriction of 20mph in city centres will make cities safer and healthier places to live.

He might have a different opinion if he lived in a city’s geographical centre, as I do, and had seen the air quality reduced from meeting World Health Organisation standards to now being rated as dangerous to health.

I recognise his argument, although I cannot agree with it.

In a collision between a car and pedestrian, or cyclist, the latter is more likely to be killed or injured than the motorist: the slower the speed at the point of collision – the adult human skull may withstand a 20mph impact, but not one at 30mph – the lower the level of damage. Slow the car (or cycle, tram, train or bus) and save the people.

For me, a person’s safety and health will always trump the need to move large numbers of people through a city efficiently, although I understand that others cannot agree: it’s a matter of priorities.

Mr Macintyre correctly observes that in areas of newly imposed urban 20mph speed limits frustrated drivers are more likely to speed – but that is a law enforcement problem, and one that diminishes as the driver gets used to the limit, or diverts to a faster road.

By the way, I am a driver, who will no doubt find the blanket limit a pain in the proverbial until I get used to it...but believe me, it’s going to be worth it.

David Fiddimore, Nether Craigwell, Calton Road, Edinburgh

Poor service lets the tourists down

EDINBURGH has countless thousands of tourists from many different countries for New Year celebrations in our city, yet Lothian Buses can only run Sunday services during that busy time.

I was on a 30 bus from Cameron Toll on the afternoon of January 3 and the bus was full and only stopped at one stop along the whole of Dalkeith Road, by-passing stops awash with tourists exiting bed and breakfasts in the area with luggage, hoping to get to the city centre for onward travel, with not even a taxi in sight.

A very bad show indeed for our valued tourists. Perhaps the “city fathers” can look at this at their next transport meeting.

J Norrie Taylorie, Montague Street, Edinburgh

Leading the way as care champs

I APPLAUD Edinburgh City Council’s intention to use Facebook to reach thousands of unsung youngsters across the city who look after disabled or elderly relatives (News, January 7).

But I have to take issue with the claim that the man leading the initiative, Councillor Norman Work, has become Scotland’s first ‘carers champion’.

I was appointed in that same capacity, and indeed carry the same title, at Midlothian Council last August, as one of a number of actions arising out of the Midlothian Carers Strategy and Action Plan.

My appointment as carer’s champion was a reflection of Midlothian Council’s determination to support and value local carers in the vital work that they do.

While I give my whole-hearted backing to others supporting their crucial role in our communities, I cannot accept my neighbouring council’s claim to be leading the way with Councillor Work’s appointment.

It is nice to see Edinburgh City Council following Midlothian’s lead, as usual.

Councillor Jim Bryant, Midlothian Council