I am one of those people that you have mentioned in your editorial Health Matters (TMID, 31 May). Yes, each time I have a hospital appointed I am told to go there at 7.30am but it often happens that it takes me until 10.30am or even later to be seen by my consultant.

I do not think it takes much for a system to be implemented to have appointments fixed at 15-minute intervals. It happens in private practices and in clinics, and I do not see why it should not be the same at Mater Dei Hospital.

There have been occasions when I was told to fast from the night before and it only adds to my frustration – not to mention hunger – if I have to wait for three hours or more to be seen to.

The minister responsible for health, John Dalli, is known as a person who takes the bull by the horns in any activity that he involves himself in. I am sure that, together with parliamentary secretary Joe Cassar, he will come up with a plan to see that things change.

It would make things so much better for us poor patients.

P. Borg

Birkirkara