I'M afraid that Denny Cook (Nice Work? November 3) displays a nave outlook regarding health care.

In reality there is a finite pot of resources. Even if the NHS budget were quadrupled overnight, demand could not be satisfied. This is because, thanks to advances in medicine, so much more can now be done - and because our expectations have risen dramatically.

The simple approach would be to fund drugs and treatments that do good on a first-come, first-served basis each year until the money ran out.

The harder course is to try and evaluate each medical intervention, take difficult decisions and identify priorities. Do you extend the life expectancy of a terminally ill pensioner by 12 months at the cost of reducing the number of kidney transplants for 30 year olds?

Does the NHS have to differentiate between the potential quality of life of a three-year-old and a 93- year-old? Sadly, but of necessity, yes.

I don't envy people involved with NICE. You will find that clinical background and experience predominates among its members. They deserve our support and understanding rather than irrational criticism.

Would Denny Cook like to do their job?

Don Goddard, Edgware Road, York.