John Lawrence, of Burlestone, Dartmouth, writes:

Recently, while experiencing a heart-related episode leaving me breathless, I had an occasion to call an ambulance. This happened at night, and after almost two hours the ambulance arrived, just before 4am.

I was sad to learn that often the vehicles based in Dartmouth are sent to Plymouth to help out when they are busy there, therefore leaving cover at Dartmouth very exposed or nonexistent.

It is worrying to learn that Derriford Hospital was yet again on high alert and barely coping last weekend.

It is even more worrying when 5,500 new homes are being built on the outskirts of Plymouth, with hundreds more planned for Dartmouth and the South Hams. Unless someone can magic up a fleet of ambulances and a new hospital to help cater for the increased ­population, I fear we will all be waiting much longer for an ambulance if needed in the future.

I would like to thank the ambulance crew, and the medical staff at Torbay Hospital, for the excellent care and attention given to me during my stay. I have nothing but admiration for NHS staff, who are doing a difficult job with fewer resources while trying to keep up morale.