I READ with astonishment the story on December 6 original artwork to the tune of £375,000 has been commissioned for the new hospital.

Mr Birdsall is quick to stress that this money will come from grant-giving bodies and the hospital's private Evolution Appeal, but I wonder how many of the people who give so generously were aware that their donation was being frittered away.

I, and numerous other people who I know have read this article with disbelief, would be most unhappy to learn that the donated money was being spent so wastefully.

While I appreciate that lovely surroundings are of a huge benefit to the convalescence process, I can't help but wonder if a trip to Ikea would have been far better.

It's not original I know, but surely money is better spent on life-saving equipment?

SONIA GRIFFITH

Hillcrest Close

Swindon