IT is with profound regret that we have to inform your readers of the withdrawal of the palliative and end of life care service at Charlotte Straker, Corbridge, from June 30.

The service began in January 2010 and has helped to care for over 190 people with life limiting illnesses and support their families.

This service has also contributed to a unique and outstanding integrated model of palliative care in West Northumberland ( Courant Letters , May 22).

Trustees of the charity have been in discussions with Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group over the last six months but have been unable to secure agreement over the value of the service.

Whilst understanding the commissioner’s financial predicament we are nevertheless disappointed that we now find ourselves unable to provide this service as accepting the terms suggested would mean that the charity would incur an unacceptable financial loss putting the future of the charity in jeopardy.

We would like to pay tribute to our dedicated staff who have developed considerable expertise and worked closely with the Corbridge GPs to provide personal care to people facing these most difficult illnesses.

In addition we thank our local care partners, supporters and friends who have given unstinting support and encouragement for this important service over the years.

Whilst this service ceased on Tuesday, Charlotte Straker will continue to provide care to local people in a range of other ways as it has done since it was founded by Joseph Straker in memory of his wife Charlotte Maria in August 1918.

BILL CUNNINGHAM,

Chairman,

Charlotte Straker