Long NHS waiting lists are forcing us to go private

‘I cannot let myself become incapacitated for years, waiting on a list for a procedure that might never come.’ Photograph: Curtseyes/Alamy

I turned down the private health option when I was working. Like Nell Frizzell (My mum was so desperate for medical care that she went private. Then came the bill ..., 3 December), I don’t believe in it. Recently, I developed a hernia. My GP sent me hotfooting it to A&E. After four hours there, a young doctor suggested that I “manage” the situation, because although it was serious, it wasn’t serious enough for him to take further action and the waiting list for surgery would be “months, but more likely years”.

So I went private. I hate doing it, but within two weeks I will be recovering. I’m 73. I cannot let myself become incapacitated for years, waiting on a list for a procedure that might never come. I am beyond angry with the politicians and their supporting voters who are changing the NHS.
Caroline Diggle
London