IT is always a concern to see and hear reports of ill-treatment of patients whether in the NHS or the private sector. The fate of vulnerable people should never be left to chance – but sometimes it is.

Patient care must always be the priority. The business ethic is important in ensuring services are viable, it is morally wrong, and somewhat irresponsible, when companies like Southern Cross cause unnecessary uncertainty for so many depending on their services.

I am concerned that as a society we place greater emphasis on profit than people.

Indeed, the Government in its attempts at reducing the deficit seems intent on making everyone suffer regardless of their circumstances.

More recently, we have had the Government’s actions towards recovering cancer patients and its attempts at welfare reform are hardly inspiring.

Government should be there to protect the most vulnerable. It is about being measured, sensitive and responsible They need to intervene where necessary, but, more often than not, people are left to face the brunt of market forces with the after-taste of an uncaring society.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe.