ONCE more we are reminded of the appalling state of our care system (“One in 13 hospital beds taken by patients fit to leave”, The Herald, September 12). As I understand it this is due to the totally inadequate financing of the system. And on whose shoulders does responsibility for this debacle rest? I would suggest that the culpability is ours, the community of citizens.

Our general lack of involvement in the democratic process means that we do not let the politicians at local and national level know what our priorities are. We prefer to whinge.

I would be very surprised if the top priority is not the NHS backed up by an adequate care system and that can only come from an appropriately-financed service.

If we are not prepared to fund such an improvement through significantly increased national and local taxes we must let our representatives know from which services we suggest resources be removed.

Let me make a couple of controversial suggestions. Spend less money on roads. Let it be known that we are prepared to put up with more potholes, having to drive more carefully and to pay higher insurance premiums. Or how about stopping maintaining parks and open spaces?

Crazy proposals? All I can say is “you ain’t seen nothing yet”. Wait till the consequences of Boris Johnson’s Brexit come home to roost.

John Milne,

9 Ardgowan Drive, Uddingston.