Everyone knows that the NHS is short of money these days, but I was very surprised to read in The Herald just how bad things are ("TV star Bird to return for Hogmanay after illness", The Herald, December 6 ).

The NHS is apparently saving money by doing operations in the patient's home. According to your report: "She [Jackie Bird] is currently recovering from two surgeries at home after having life-saving surgery early last month." Should we be worried by this report, or should it be filed next to that other grammatical infelicity, "piano wanted by lady with Queen Anne legs"?

Gwynneth Lightbody,

47 Keystone Quadrant, Milngavie.