I READ your article regarding excessive hospital parking charges.

As a 66-year-old suffering with emphysema I find the whole situation stupid in the extreme.

I have a Blue Badge and am severely restricted in my ability to walk more than 20 to 30 metres on the flat, let lone having to struggle up the hill approximately 100m from the disabled car park at Southampton General Hospital to get to reception.

As most Blue Badge holders have them because of walking difficulties would it not make more sense to put the disabled parking area on the ground floor car park opposite reception? Plus reduce parking charges for the disabled.

I have an appointment at the COPD clinic in the west wing level D – another good hike from reception (why put the clinic almost as far away from reception as possible knowing full well patients struggle with their breathing and walking?).

Prior to my appointment I have to have an X-ray – ground floor east wing – another hike let alone the stress of it all.

I called the hospital and asked if it was possible for a porter with a wheelchair to pick me up from the disabled car park (if I called when I arrived) – we can’t do that I’ll transfer you to the consultant’s secretary was the reply.

She said she couldn’t help and had called my surgery to see if I qualify for a hospital car – no doubt at great expense. Still waiting to hear.

I pointed out that depending on my condition on the day (I have good and bad days) I could well collapse on the walk up the hill – wonder if they would send an ambulance instead of a porter with a wheelchair? Hope I don’t have to find out!

Is it no wonder that the NHS has problems when such a simple and logical request is too much like hard work?

Chris Moody, Southampton.