why do our hospitals all but shut down at the weekends?

I attended our local hospital on Saturday where, owing to a delay in getting a prescription, I had to hang around for some time. I went to the restaurant for a bite to eat but it was closed. There was an old lady in a wheelchair, a patient, and I presume her granddaughter, also trying to have a bite to eat, but to no avail.

I have a great deal of sympathy for the nursing staff who are also left with a very basic canteen facilities over their weekend shifts.

Surely, it's time for a wee bit forward thinking and keeping our hospitals and operations working 24 seven. People don't just get ill and hungry during the week.

Rosemary Keery Via email

Short fuse...

I am surprised the council have not taken action to stop shops advertising fireworks which, in the wrong hands, are likely to cause harm and anti-social behaviour.

Have they thought also ahead to the huge clean-up operation which will be needed to clear the remnants of all the illegal bonfires after Guy Fawkes night in Glasgow.

Mr Clean Via email

Leaf litter

When will the council wake up to the fact that every year leaves fall off trees? If they are not swept up, the leaves then clog drains and cause large puddles to form which, in winter, can freeze and be a slip hazard.

Surely, there must be armies of offenders who have been given community service orders who could be enlisted to carry out this necessary task.

Bill Love Mosspark

Bus problems

I applaud John Kelly, (Letters, November 1), who uses public transport and encourages everyone else to, but there is a reason why 80% of hospital patients and visitors, and most staff, use cars: the bus service is inadequate.

Even for those able to walk some distance, far less for those who can't, our buses are a dead loss for patients and visitors.

James Sandeman Via email