I AM writing In response to the letter “Bureaucrats have lost touch with patient care” by Derek Brooks.

From what Mr Brooks wrote about Dr Burrows, he clearly does not know him.

I worked for Dr Burrows for approximately five years at Salford Primary Care Trust as a Cardiac Specialist Nurse.

When Dr Burrows first joined Salford PCT I asked him if he would come and see the service.

Not only did he come to see the service running, he also participated with the patients during their activities.

He then took the time to talk to the patients and understand their needs.

Whenever I had concerns about patient care or the service, I was always able to talk to Dr Burrows who would take the concerns seriously.

He has been involved in setting up the patient and public involvement in the NHS which allows patients along with health are professionals to make decisions about the services/care they receive.

To say he is “compassion free” is completely untrue. He cares with a passion about the job he does and the organisation that he works for.

In regard to “meaningless targets”, it is due to these very targets that the NHS can finally measure and compare performance. This then enables the Trust to see areas needing improvement, and act upon that information. Dr Burrows is a hardworking, dedicated professional and I think Derek Brooks should stop judging before he knows the full facts!

Nina Oakley.

RN D.I.P.