Elderly in fear after loss of ward
Older people in Ludlow are too scared to visit their doctor for fear of being sent miles from home for treatment, a new document has revealed.
The League of Friends of Ludlow Hospital today published a collection of comments made by residents over the loss of services at the town's hospital.
One poignant entry reads: "At the age of 71 I am now afraid to go to see my doctor in case I have to go by train elsewhere. No family member cares and my circumstances are not unique.
"I hope I die quickly from a sudden heart attack and require no NHS support."
The Whitcliffe ward at Ludlow Hospital closed shortly before Christmas, despite a long campaign by residents in the town.
As part of a public consultation more than 10,000 households in the town were sent a copy of Shropshire County Primary Care Trust's proposals. More than 5,700 replies were received by the friends group and more were sent directly to the PCT.
Peter Corfield, friends group chairman, said: "The comments included on the response forms reveal a disturbing and deep-seated lack of public confidence in the management and direction of the NHS both in Shropshire and nationally.
"The concerns of residents of this rural area, particularly the elderly, are eloquently highlighted in their unedited and spontaneous comments."
A spokesman for Age Concern Shropshire Telford & Wrekin said the closure of the ward would have a huge impact on older residents.
Greg Palmer, services manager, said: "Anything which involves people having to travel further is a particular concern. Our Ludlow office has had a number of enquiries about travel since the closure of the ward."
The document containing the comments is to be sent to Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt and will also be given to Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley when he opens a 40-bed nursing home in Ludlow tomorrow.
Comments in the document published by the League of Friends of Ludlow Hospital today included:
"Ludlow Hospital is where I go, I have Alzheimer's. I need Whitcliffe - my friends at Alexandra House need this ward. We are frightened of going elsewhere and physically unable. Don't abandon us please. Help us, we can't help ourselves. Please."
"I fear for my future health and wellbeing with the proposed changes."
"When people are ill they are in a very vulnerable state.
"Moving them away from their nearest and dearest is to signify their death warrant."
"People are frightened enough in being admitted for mental care without the worry of being too far away for visitors to come and see them."
By Sally Jones
