Caroline Gosling, of Barton Close, Kingsbridge, writes:

Dear Jeremy Hunt,

Next time one of your ­children is unwell ‘out of hours’, don’t go to A&E, ring 111. That’s what I did on Saturday, because I had been unwell for three days and my eye had become inflamed.

The person who answered took my details and once she had verified that I was ringing for myself, not suffering excessive blood loss, a stroke or heart attack, she told me that a healthcare professional would ring me within the hour, which he did.

Because my eye was affected I had to be seen by a doctor and was given a choice of hospitals. He rang off to make enquiries.

Someone rang after a short time with an appointment at Totnes. We waited there for an hour – big deal. After which I was seen by a doctor, diagnosed with facial shingles and given the appropriate medication and a prescription for stronger pain relief in case over-the-counter remedies were not effective in the next few days. Brilliant ­service – thank you NHS.

Mr Hunt, stop harassing GPs – we already have a 24/7 service. If we really need it, keep A&E free. The clue is in the name.