WE have had several definitions of the “venture capitalist”, most recently from “Wyke Reg”.

As I understand it, a venture capitalist puts up the risk money for a new venture. Today the bulk of this is done by government (i.e. by us citizens) and private enterprise moves in when much of the risk has gone.

Wyke Reg, in his further contention about businesses reaching their “full potential”, confuses profitability with public service. The two are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but the glib assertion is often made, that good service is required to make good profit. This is refuted by our experience of mixed but often poor service from many private businesses, notably some of the once publicly-owned utilities.

While I agree with Wyke Reg’s implied claim that actions by politicians of recent governments have done considerable damage to the NHS, I submit that what the NHS needs is the necessary funding to meet clinical needs and an opportunity to get on with the job without constant reorganisation.

The last thing needed, however, is a venture capitalist in charge.

Barry Tempest

Romulus Close

Dorchester