Worcestershire | Archive | 2005 | July | 8
From the archive, first published Friday 8th Jul 2005.
It is difficult for those who have not experienced a stroke themselves or a family member, to fully comprehend the devastation it brings. The shock and disbelief is, I can assure you, exactly that. On looking back now over the nine years since my wife experienced her stroke at 50 years of age, I recall vividly the kindness and expertise shown to her at the Willows Ward in Evesham Hospital. Were it not for the care and expert therapy of the staff at the Willows, life would be quite different now. She is mobile and leads a full life despite her disabilities and we can thank the Willows staff for that.
The idea of closing this pioneering facility, as that is what it was, is quite ludicrous. There are still people having strokes every five minutes in this country and without such facilities available, patients will inevitably suffer. Why throw away such expertise, not mention the vast amount spent on the improvements at the Willows not so long ago?
The Willows teams over the years have built up a great reputation for their work - so why disperse it? It will take years to get to that level with other facilities. Chopping and changing to save money that destroys in this way is counter productive. Let common sense prevail and leave well alone.
Frank Hare
Cradley.
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