ANY ward closure which involves vulnerable patients, and psychiatric patients are more vulnerable than most, is unacceptable. But the closure of one ward does not mean that Fairfield Hospital is on the verge of collapse!

For years, the NHS in Bury was seriously underfunded, like many other public services here (education being a case in point). With the emergence of the new "Super Trust", whether the Pennine Acute or Pennine Care, that financial crisis has become even more acute. However, shortage of cash was not the only reason for the closure of Ward 31.

It is totally untrue to say that "patient care at the hospital in Rochdale Old Road is on the brink of collapse", as has been reported more than once in the Bury Times. Hospital finances may be on the brink of collapse, but patient care? Never.

The ward staff and others who deliver patient care do so under very stressful conditions, such as a shortage of resources. Some fear for their jobs. But their professionalism, their dedication, and their care and expertise are not in doubt.

We will hear the occasional horror story, but 99.9 per cent of patients care is delivered in an extremely trustworthy way. On my weekly ward visits I hear constant praise for the way in which all levels of staff deliver nursing care.

By all means let the Community Health Council raise the issues which have caused the closure of the ward in question, but let's also give credit and support to all, whether on the wards or in the departments, who deliver excellent patient care in our local hospitals.

REV. ERIC A. RUEHORN,

hospital chaplain,

Fairfield General Hospital.