In 1866 the Rev John O Stephens learned of an agricultural worker who had been injured.

Such was the Reverend gentleman’s compassion, he was inspired to set up Savernake Hospital for the rural community of East Wilts and West Berks.

In all its history, I can find no reports where injured people were turned away from its door.

That is, until September 2007 when the Rev Jeff James and his Board, despite huge local opposition, closed the Minor Injuries Unit. Like the Rev John O Stephens, the Rev Jeff James will also go down in history.

After over 140 years, the only care at Savernake for injured patients is advice to leave the hospital and proceed to Swindon or Chippenham (with your lacerations or fractured bone). This is apparently progress. This is “bringing care closer to home” and providing an efficient service.

I have on Monday this week, delivered a cheque for £10,000 of the community’s money to the PCT as ordered by the Court, toward legal costs. I am sure the PCT feel proud of their “lawfully taken” decisions. However, no health bosses from NHS Wiltshire would agree to meet me in person to accept the cheque .

This battle could not have been fought without you or the team of lawyers headed by Guy Opperman. You are all amazing.

Along with the cheque, I delivered five patient complaints, from people who had made Witness Statements following the closure. They make the very simple point that the facility in Savernake Hospital is needed.

I hope to see everyone in Marlborough Town Hall at the Blues for Savernake concert on September 25, two years after the MIU closed. We’ll celebrate the fact we tried and will continue to do so.

Val Compton, Kennet Place, Marlborough.