SIR - I cannot attend an appointment at a special department in Airedale Hospital in about a week's time, and as requested made the phone call to let them know.

But nobody answers the phone, it just rings and rings.

I then try the main hospital number, that again is a total farce, but eventually I get through to the ward sister and as I am second in line I am told not to hang up.

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I wait and wait knowing that BT will be charging me for the cost of the call since I got through.

Last time this happened a few months ago the call cost £4.98 not to speak to a human.

The absolute height of supreme stupidity is that if I miss the appointment I will have to see the doctor and start all over again.

Gary Lorriman, Harden, Bingley