REGARDING the survey showing that Burnley Healthcare Trust has some of the highest death rates in the country (LET, January 15), what a damning indictment.

Can anyone explain to me why my parents and grandmother, all of whom are pensioners, face a post code lottery as to whether they survive any illness that may require a visit to hospital.

Twelve months after a report for the trust warning of the problems, Burnley still has one of the worst cardio thoracic records in the country.

Burnley, which is run by a Labour council and government, is cited by Mr David Chew, Burnley's health chief executive, as one of the most deprived towns in the country. Is this an excuse for one of the most deprived hospitals as well?

Political denomination is of little importance regarding these matters, but one thing is for certain -- the people of Burnley and Rossendale deserve much, much better.

ALEX FROST, Lower Manor Avenue, Burnley.