As a former employee of the National Health I read with interest the article You're too fat, your op is off', (Echo, March 15) regarding the lady who had her surgery cancelled because of her lack of weight loss. I would like to make the following observations.

Carrying excess weight will only impede Amanda Dennett's overall success rate of full recovery because of the strain put on an already damaged back Any operation carries risks, even if one is fit and well; being overweight has serious implications anesthetic-wise and also from the actual surgery.

That said, if Dorset County Hospital is expecting the back problem patients such as her to take responsibility for their actions, it should itself take more responsibility for its staff.

I refer to the car parking situation that leaves shiftwork staff walking through Dorchester late at night to get to their cars and local residents faced with streets clogged up with cars all day.

Heather Robinson, Bridport Road, Dorchester.