REGARDING the waiting times in A&E, not only in Dorset but across the country.

The fundamental problem is that many people fail to recognise that A&E is by nature what its name suggests....for accidents and emergencies.

If people took more responsibility and looked elsewhere for non urgent treatment then our A&E departments would not be as stretched as much as they are.

The problems with NHS target times and associated issues run deep, but we all have a duty to seek help elsewhere when an injury or illness is not a medical emergency.

Karen Thresher

Monmouth Avenue

Weymouth