Sir, - As another woman requiring breast surgery and subsequent treatment I must take issue with Mary O'Reilly (May 7th).As a public patient I experienced lengthy wainting times also, in the three hospitals I attended but was always treated with great kindness and gentleness and always given an explanation of procedures.Yes I sometimes envy private patients their extra privileges but my treatment as a public patient has never been anything other than courteous, instructive and helpful. - Yours, etc., (Mrs) Muriel O'Connor,Enniskerry, Co Wicklow.