WHAT an insult to the hard-working nurses working in the NHS that they have been offered just 1.5 per cent by Patricia Hewitt the Secretary for Health.

For a newly qualified nurse that works out at a 2p per hour rise.

Mrs Hewitt says there is no more money available, but one thing is for certain, when the time comes around for MPs to receive a rise in their salary, it will be a rise well above the inflation rate.

Little wonder that nurses are leaving the NHS for the private sector and even to work abroad.

DAVID PEARSON, St Michael's Court, Blackburn.