AS employees of Charlotte Straker, in Corbridge, we are very sorry, sad and disappointed to lose the palliative care service.

As a result, there are now no dedicated palliative care beds between Newcastle and Carlisle.

The two beds have been used and greatly appreciated by local people fitting very well with the national policy of having care closer to home.

Many people will find, at this difficult time, that it becomes more stressful for both patients and relatives if they have to further to travel.

Both patients and relatives need a considerable amount of extra care and support at this time, requiring skills and expertise which our staff have gained over the years.

Comments from relatives include: “My husband died in Charlotte Straker and without the loving care, compassion and dignity afforded to us it would have been very difficult. I could not have wished for more.”

And: “As a family we are extremely grateful to the Charlotte Straker for the exemplary care given to my mother-in-law.”

We are proud to have been able to offer this excellent service to the community and feel we should not let it disappear without registering our feelings and concerns.

K. DOVER,
I. PROSZOWSKA,
B.L. WOOFF