SINCE the publication of my letter headed ‘Will hospitals face the law?’ (Oxford Mail, October 26), I have heard that, in future, wards containing the elderly will be subject to spot checks with a view to prosecuting offenders.

Would anyone care to clarify the justification for apparently overlooking all the past crimes in this context? Is it not in the public interest, carry not more than an even chance of success, or is it simply too time-consuming, troublesome and expensive? Could it just be that the medical and related professions are unofficially, by and large, considered above the law in this country?

DAVID DIMENT, Riverside Court, Oxford