I WISH to make you aware of our support for the retaining of all possible services at the Richardson Hospital in Barnard Castle.

The services offered here are vital in such a rural area as this, with limited public transport, which can make travelling to alternative facilities at Bishop Auckland or Darlington very difficult, costly and time consuming, particularly for the frail elderly.

It seems that some clinics are being reduced in frequency such as audiology which is now being held only once a month.

Others are reportedly being underused.

This may be because potential patients are unaware that they are available, because staff answering phones to people requesting appointments do not offer the Richardson Hospital.

This includes those manning the 111 phone lines.

There appears to be a covert policy of actively side-lining these facilities by making information, and therefore access, as difficult as possible.

It also seems strange that Lowson Ward has been closed for such a long time.

It could surely offer an alternative place of care for so-called bed blockers or even an excellent facility for end of life care.

These services, and also convalescent care, are very necessary for patients in their local area, where visits from family and friends can be more easily accomplished thus keeping patients in touch with their communities.

Mrs L Wake, Bowes