TOMORROW sees the end of an era for the Blackburn, Hyndburn, Ribble Valley Health Care Trust, with the closing of the 'E' wards at Queen's Park Hospital.

As someone who has spent more than their fair share of time as a patient on ward E3, I think it is rather sad that progress deems that, after tomorrow, chest cases who frequented the ward will now be cared for in the new wing in ward C8.

E3 was opened in the 1980s to replace Withnell Hospital, which improved access for both patients and visitors. Over the last 10 years, I have met numerous people in the same boat as me - chronic asthma sufferers - many of whom I am still in contact with.

But the people foremost in my mind are the dedicated medical and nursing staff who are second to none. Without them, I wouldn't be here today.

I know that when E3 is finally bulldozed, the same caring people will be there in their new home to look after those who rely so much on the skill and care - which we have always been used to and are so very grateful for.

JOHN D FARRER, Mallard Place, Oswaldtwistle.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.