SIR,

I wonder if the bubble that surrounds NHS Wales is beginning to burst and knowledge of its standards of care are about to become more widely known.

We all know of occasions when the health care under the Welsh NHS has been excellent and we are also aware of times when it has miserably failed some people, but we are talking here about the wider picture.

Marina Robinson, whose story was featured on the front page of the Beacon recently, is fighting to have treatment in England, but, despite the efforts of our local MP, David Davies, and his question to Nick Clegg about the longer waiting times in Wales and the poorer access to drugs, I am sure the Aneurin Bevan Health Board will not alter its stance.

It will pay for treatment in England in some cases, but what is often not realised by sick patients struggling to fight their cause, is that they will still come under the Welsh guidelines for waiting times.

National newspapers and television have started to feature articles about the Welsh Health Service and the facts and figures given are alarming to say the least. It is time for the Welsh Health Board to admit they are failing many of their patients, to stop trying to cover up those failings and to give Welsh patients quick access to treatment in England, plus a full choice of available drugs.

(Name and address supplied)