I WAS rather alarmed to read that Dash 2 were fearful that a proposed new care home scheme for Devizes could scupper the plans for a new Devizes Hospital.

A new hospital will only have in-patient beds if a care home is built alongside it.

We need the new hospital that we have been promised for many years but there is a desperate need in Wiltshire for EMI (Elderly Mentally Ill) placements in care homes. Devizes does have nursing homes but not specifically for those Alzheimer's and dementia sufferers who need specialist nursing care. Such homes in Wiltshire are very few and the waiting lists can be as long as 20. Unfortunately someone has to die before a placement would normally become available. Many space people have to go outside of Wiltshire for their care, causing great distress to family.

Much is said about delayed discharges from hospital, some patients are waiting for funding to become available whilst others are self-funding.

Sometime suitable permanent placements are unavailable regardless as to whether the money is available or not.

Another care home would be beneficial as the need is there.

As at October 3 2003, one hundred and seventy three people in Wiltshire were waiting for placements, 84 in adult care and 89 in mental health.

M HUTCHINS

Addington Close

Devizes