I AM sick and tired of politicians blaming people for living longer and taking up all the hospital beds. I feel it is a sleight on senior citizens.

There used to be three hospitals in Hereford, and when they built the new one, there were not enough wards when you consider the closure of the other two.

As this area is now listed as a retirement area, did they consider the number of retirement properties plus extra housing estates which have gone up? I feel that is the reason for the bed shortage.

I have nothing but the highest of respect for Hereford County Hospital where I am under the care of two specialists.

I was in hospital in 2013 and I was treated with the utmost kindness and consideration, both in Hereford and in Ledbury. During my six-week stay in the two hospitals, I saw first-hand just how short-staffed they are.

If Florence Nightingale were alive today she would be appalled.

DOROTHY PREEDY Ross-on-Wye