RE health editor Barry Nelson’s article about doctors urging patients to back a campaign calling for an end to creeping commercialisation of the NHS and specifically the comments attributed to Dr Clive Peedell, of the British Medical Association (Echo, Feb 17).

I share Dr Peedell’s passion in a publicly-funded NHS with the interests of patients paramount.

However, unlike him, I view the increasing opportunity for the private sector to play a role in the management and delivery of NHS services as a positive development.

There is much evidence supporting the position that a degree of competition and the application of private sector disciplines sharpens the performance of the NHS for the benefit of patients.

There is no evidence that private sector healthcare businesses have a lesser commitment than the NHS to meeting individual patient needs.

Any private sector healthcare organisation that failed in its duties and responsibilities to its customers (ie, patients) would not be in business long.

Ian Savage, Galphay, North Yorkshire.