I AM surprised that as a former Health Secretary Alex Neil is unaware that the SNP policy of no redundancies from the NHS, and the extreme difficulty of dismissing staff who have not performed, has meant for years that staff are kept on endlessly, usually on chronic "sick leave" for stress and other non-specific conditions (“Health chiefs’ bid to raid £6 million from charity fund”, The Herald, May 11). Unfortunately, many are nurses and other non-senior staff. Staff tend to be found non-jobs, or parked where no harm can be done. Any one suggesting sanctions or dismissal is at risk if being accused of bullying or persecution.

I have no insight into Lesley McLay's situation but to suggest her treatment is in some way special is to fail to acknowledge few, of any grade, are ever dismissed from the NHS. The cost to the NHS of staff who are paid but not working is very high, and ultimately deny patients the service they deserve.

Gavin Tait,

37 Fairlie, East Kilbride.