I AM writing to thank all the patients, carers, staff and members of the public who have taken the time to write to the government body, NICE, in an effort for them to overturn their initial ruling, stopping future patients having the memory boosting drugs.

I have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have written, at least 50 at the last count.

I would also like to thank both James Gray and Michael Ancram who, likewise, have been inundated with letters and taken the time to use their influence as well. It is too early to declare a victory as NICE will not make their final decision until either June or October.

However, this amount of pressure has certainly forced the Department of Health to be unusually assertive in asking NICE to look at the evidence again.

I will await events, but am personally touched by the response we have received and hope that future patients will be able to receive the same care that we currently can provide.

DR S MANCHIP

Ridgeway Link Community Mental Heath Team (Elderly)

Farmer Memorial Unit

Savernake Hospital

Marlborough