SIR — I received a message from a friend that she was in hospital and tried to phone. I could only be told, even whether she was in or not, if I knew her date of birth or postcode.

For many of us, our nearest relative is in Australia and we rely on our friends. While we know our best friend is 70-something and can walk to her home, we may know her birthday but not the year and we don't need, and therefore don't know, the postcode.

The hospital is quite right to protect its patients but I suggest that we check with our club and dog-walking friends and get at least one piece of information on record just in case we need it.

Kim Noble,

Townsend,