I HAVE very strong views on patients who have strokes, that their recovery in hospital is essential. (I am a retired SRN).

If they have to go home, and family to care for them. How will they cope? The purpose for them to get better, physiotherapy and speech therapy, is to give themselves more confidence. They will not get that at home on a regular basis.

Then when left at home on their own they get depressed and frustrated. This will put tension between the patient and family. If they can stay in Evesham relatives can visit more regularly. How will relatives help to toilet, dress, feed, etc. It's just unthinkable.

If I had a stroke (God forbid) and stayed in hospital I would gain confidence over a period of time and be glad to go home. Now I would panic, feel very insecure, abandoned.

Perhaps Mr Ridley had extra help at home for his dear mum. If she is sent home, is he prepared to look after his mum.

He's got a job to do. Will he have the energy and time to care for his mothers needs if he goes home? There is no continual treatment and care. As for old people being taken to a private hospital is stupid. Not only their routine being upset, but how many miles do the relatives have to travel. Extra fuel bills. Time to visit limited.

Orthopaedic outpatients being closed! Has it been concerned about travelling extra miles in pain. Having to rely on transport.

Older people get very upset if their routine is changed. Sending them home will have awful consequences.

Will transport be provided to take orthopaedic patients to other hospitals? Can relatives claim transport refunds financially?

For heavens sake why close wards down when we have lovely doctors who know their patients well, and good facilities. Absolutely stupid!

MS DENISE PRESLAND, Hampton, Evesham.