DESPITE Councillor D'Albert's claims, the NHS is not in crisis - far from it (Letters, October 19).

Certainly some trusts have deficits, but, by and large, Labour's investment is paying off - more opportunities, less waiting, more doctors and nurses, not to mention the huge investment in hospitals and primary care centres.

Three of these will open shortly in our borough, hardly signs of a crisis. By the way, independent surveys show patient satisfaction is also increasing, and surely that is what matters.

Now to the local problems at Pennine Acute Trust. Coun D'Albert wants the answers to his questions. Could I suggest he starts within his own Lib Dem Group? Perhaps he could challenge his group leader, Coun Tim Pickstone, to come up with the answers.

Why Coun Pickstone? Because he is, and has been for some years, a non-executive director of Pennine Acute Trust and should know exactly what is going on in that organisation.

Surely the board of which he is a member is responsible for the oversight of the governance, performance and financial stability of the Trust?

Indeed, it is their primary function. So, Coun D'Albert, before you attack anyone else, demand that your colleague is brought to account.

COUNCILLOR GILL CAMPBELL Executive member for community engagement and user focus