The comment from the Wiltshire Area Health Authority representative that everything is OK with regard to the flu vaccine does not fit with the news that in a last ditch attempt to stave off a massive beds shortage this winter, the Government has offered retired nurses and those about to leave the NHS generous financial inducements to stay until Spring 2001.

A new strain of flu, and insufficient vaccine supplies, are expected to put extra pressure on the health service over the coming months.

Some hospitals are already operating near their full capacity.

One hospital spokesman said: "For us the winter pressures begin in May or June. It feels like an on-going crisis, and our staff are finding it very, very difficult."

A BMA spokesman added: "There just isn't any slack in the system."

The Department of Health wrote to hospital trusts this summer offering salary and pension boosts for nurses who could be persuaded to stay on this winter.

Despite the recent recruitment drive, one in 27 posts remains vacant and with one in five nurses set to retire during the next five years, winter crises in the NHS may continue for some years.

Shadow health spokesman Dr Liam Fox said: "The Government's desperate measures in the fourth term of its administration are testament to its abject failure to give nursing the priority it promised on coming to office."

Are we still then to believe that the Swindon Commonhead Hospital is to be large enough to serve 350,000 and rising people?

MICHAEL MORTON

Bruce Street

Rodbourne

Swindon