IN response to Douglas Wathan's letter of October 10, I spent four weeks in the Queen Elizabeth hospital in Birmingham just before Christmas undergoing a kidney transplant (incidentally a gift from a very dear friend).

We had meals four times daily, and while not mind-blowing I found them adequate.

I also came out on nutrients but this was to build up my strength after a major operation and to build up strength after spending so long lying down, not because of the poor quality food.

If he requires haute cuisine I suggest he gets food ferried in from home or pays and joins BUPA or such like where I am led to believe the wine list is excellent.

Nigel Matthews

Evesham