The government must be held to account over long-standing NHS shortages such as lack of intensive care beds

(The article can be read here: ‘Coronavirus: NI hospitals way behind others in stock of life-saving ventilators,’ March 25)

There is now a clear understanding of how vital they will be in saving lives during this crisis. But, those in a position to do so must continue to hold government to account.

The position remains unclear, and there will be no more important issue over the next month.

The government has, for too long, hidden behind the dedication of NHS staff to mask under-investment. The lack of intensive care beds in comparison to Germany, for example, is disgraceful.

It has also long undervalued industry. That same industry that is now desperately scrambling to produce thousands of ventilators at home. They have little time to do it.

I happened to watch a speech, on Thursday, by Governor Cuomo of New York. He was honest and upfront. He continually mentioned ventilators, and how urgently they were needed. Contrast this with an excruciating performance by Business Minister Nadhim Zahawi on Newsnight last Wednesday, trying to reassure us that more ventilators were on the way here.

We should all keep the pressure up on government on this issue above all others, or precious lives will be lost unnecessarily.

Tens of thousands of ventilators will be needed, from April onwards.

John Gemmell, Wem, Shropshire