REGARDING the report (LET, April 3) of the dismissal of Hazel James and Wendy Birtwistle, our local Breast Care Nurses, I believe a wrong decision has been made.

Eighteen months ago, I was diagnosed as having breast cancer. But after an operation and subsequent radiotherapy, I am now fit and well.

During these traumatic months help was generously given by the Breast Cancer Care Nursing Team. It so happens that Hazel is a member of our church, St James, Blackburn, and every Sunday she has been there for me whenever I needed to discuss my problems and worries - and there have been quite a few.

She never ever says 'I am not on duty' or "You'll have to make an appointment.' She is always willing to help in any way.

Since I was diagnosed, there have been another six members of our congregation with breast cancer and I know Hazel has been there for each and every one of them.

No 'machine' could do what Hazel and Wendy do. Their compassion, knowledge and expertise should not be lost to the women of the Blackburn area, so, on behalf of us all, please, would the 'powers that be' re-instate them.

RITA PARKES (Mrs), East Park Road, Blackburn.

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