IS the 'cart being put before the horse?' New housing developments are springing up rapidly, even on greenfield sites. As an in-patient at Derriford Hospital over Christmas, I am aware of the intense pressure of work on all staff there. Unfortunately, this is not confined to holidays or the winter, as my (and others') experiences have shown. Surely the infrastructure should be investigated and evaluated prior to building? Health provision is so important for everyone, whatever their age. Last January, 2014, I was told by a consultant surgeon that I needed surgery and this would be done next month (February) or March, as a priority. Several months later he saw me again and said I was marked 'urgent' on the list. My condition deteriorated and I had to be taken to A & E by ambulance and admitted for six days. I was also admitted on three other occasions as an emergency. This situation was not only very stressful for myself and family but I experienced distressing symptoms for nearly a year. The operation, a lengthy procedure, took place on December 22. I was told more than once that my health problems were not my fault. Great advances in medicine and treatments are being made all the time but bed shortages, staff shortages, updating equipment and elderly population (of which I am one) are combining to cause problems  for health services. The apparent rush for new build housing must be making the situation increasingly difficult. All staff at Derriford Hospital are doing an amazing job but the pressures of coping on a daily basis were all too evident.  Political parties make short term policies and promises but our health services surely need urgent long term planning decisions if they are to survive. Name and address supplied