REGARDING your article (LET, May 11) on the shortfall of specialist care for brain injury patients within East Lancashire, I suffered a brain bleed some four weeks ago and was admitted to the Medical Unit at Blackburn Infirmary and was later transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital.

A distinct difference was apparent between the two hospitals in the care and treatment offered.

Preston offered a 'stay flat in bed' approach, pain-relief when necessary and lots of nurse-to-patient contact, including neurological observations every few hours.

Blackburn really offered nothing more than stay-in-bed, and 'regimental' pain relief, with no neurological observations and virtually no patient-to-nurse contact unless necessary.

Fortunately, I did not suffer any lasting damage and, after two weeks in Preston, was discharged.

I wasn't really advised by anyone on any precautions to take after my brain bleed and have learnt more through talking to other patients in Preston (with whom I became good friends) and through ringing the Stroke Association for advice and, I have to say, TVAM, who had an item on strokes recently. While I appreciate all the NHS provides for our health care, I do think that the North West needs and must have more actual care within each hospital for brain injuries, along with fully-trained nurses and doctors.

This could give every patient a better chance to survive and make a good recovery.

Aftercare is as important in these situations as the care received in hospital.

It is imperative that we endeavour to provide both!

J A CLOSSICK (Mrs), Elgar Close, Blackburn.

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