GAVIN Tait's letter (October 11) criticising the considered replacement of Monklands has merit – but these large specialised units, while providing and centralising the best care, overlook the fact that it is not all about transplants, angioplasty and brain surgery.

Being the beneficiary of some modern health care I do appreciate what it can achieve.

Is what is really required "end of the street" support? Perhaps not quite. We should at least make diagnostics follow-up and support available without it becoming a lifestyle of travelling and attending for those unfortunate to succumb.

There are too many self-nominated careerists in the system and the organisation lacks the firm overall direction which would make it more user-friendly and more cost effective for all concerned.

Thomas Law,

Boarhills, Cromlech Road, Sandbank, Argyll and Bute.