I am not one to reply to letters sent in - however I found that the reply (Packet, January 10) from Professor Colin Roberts (chairman, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust) to Councillor Tommy Bray very interesting.

I agree that the word "nutters" is perhaps a little strong. However, having first-hand experience of the Trust, here are some of my findings. I will let your readers decide.

My mother was one of the unfortunates who last year was called a "bed blocker in an acute medical bed." She was assessed by Social Services and hospital doctors. She was granted some funding for the nursing home of her choice but told it was not available - there was no money in the pot. Hence she spent from June 29 to September 7, 2006, in an acute medical bed. I took it upon myself to complain and to find out why and how this was possible.

I found that an acute bed cost the Hospital Trust £400-plus per day. Seventy days in an acute bed is approximately £28,000. That's a lot of money the Trust lost. I saw numerous patients who were "bed blocking" and awaiting their allocated funding, which was not available. In fact, I discovered that one lady had been waiting since January, 2006, and when mum was eventually transferred (at my strong request) to Helston Cottage Hospital this lady was still in the six-bed ward.

Helston Cottage is, of course, a small community hospital (wonderful) and the beds will be priced a little lower. However, I was shocked to find the same thing was going on - "bed blocking." Again patients waiting for months on end, some for nearly a year (funding agreed but not available) My questions are: How much money has been wasted by our Trust over the past years on "bed blocking" alone? (it must go into millions). Who is responsible for this administrative mess? Did they have their employment terminated? (If not, why not?) After complaining to Tony Blair, I received letter from the Department of Health - it has the following paragraph: "Social Services have to reimburse the hospital where people remain in hospital beyond the time they are fit for discharge. This is national policy and law. It is not in councils' or hospitals' interests to allow these delays to happen, as the cost will exceed that of finding appropriate alternative accommodation."

What can I say - this certainly did not happen in my mum's case. How many cases and over how many months/years has our Trust lost money? Me? I have at long last achieved my aim - to have my mum in Poldhu care/nursing home. She is happy and loves the environment and mental stimulation she receives after all these months.

Please note: I am not an academic. In fact, I'm an OAP with just a little common sense. Perhaps Professor Roberts would like to answer my letter and my questions.

Monika Paterson, East Lodge, Meneage Parc, Helston