This letter refers to access to hospitals, there are so many people like myself, that have been waiting, not months but years, for treatment and operations, I have a chipped bone in my knee, I have been waiting now for 2 years for an operation.

I cannot walk more than 200/300 metres without pain, and on several occasion, my leg has given way and I have fallen to the ground, so far with no harm. As yet, after two-and-a-half years, I have not even seen a consultant.

I wish that was all, but sadly not. I have also had a hernia for two-and-a-half years, but I have not even been referred to the hospital as my doctor said I can only be referred for one thing at a time. So if I am contacted for my chipped bone next week, I will have to go back to my doctor for the hernia, and may have to wait another-two-and-a half years or more.

All I ask is don´t forget the people that live and support the country, they so love, but sadly can not enjoy it.

Resident in Portugal 15 years.

Keith Basham, São Bartolomeu de Messines.