Ann Yates, of Lower Warren Road, Kingsbridge, writes: I refer to the recent article in which Kingsbridge residents were urged to speak up as to how they would like to see health care services in the future – before it is too late. I urge as many who feel as strongly as I do, that we need to ensure the services that we presently have or make improvements to them,to email [email protected]">[email protected], telephone Sally Parker on 0175 2398737 or write to NHS New Devon CCG, County Hall, Exeter EX2 4QD. The South Hams League of Friends does what it can but needs our support. Below is a letter which I have sent: As a retired Registered General Nurse and certified health visitor, I wish to register my opinion that to close or change the facilities available at South Hams Hospital would be extremely detrimental in an area where there is a large elderly population. Recently, I personally had experience of three elderly friends who have received excellent acute care in Derriford or Torbay and who then spent another two weeks in South Hams Hospital to enable them to further regain strength and mobility. The 24 hour care available in this small facility is not possible at home but having received this extra 'boost' they are then able to return to their homes, partners and families. When I was a sister in a rehabilitation ward for the elderly, we frequently had people 'bed blocking' acute beds as, while they were not by that time acutely ill, they were not yet ready to return home despite services being provided. Today the same situation arises. But if they come directly from the ward to their homes, this puts too much emphasis on the ability of elderly and often ailing spouses and on an overwhelmed home caring system. In my experience, if the family situation is such that the patient can be cared for at home, with able and willing relatives ,then this is not a problem but too often this is not the case and the result is a return to the hospital, causing more distress to the patient and cost to the NHS. Recent media reports speak of retaining these small hospitals which are not only cost-effective but take the strain off busy overstretched facilities in our large hospitals, which are a long distance from Kingsbridge. Having to visit Plymouth or Torquay for the elderly relatives is time-consuming, expensive and debilitating. This causes disruption of family ties if someone is hospitalised for long periods and makes their re-establishment back in the community more difficult, causing even more distress. Please take my views, which are considered and well qualified, into account when making any decisions.