SIR - I was recently a patient at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. The surgeon removed a cancer from my oesophagus and I received superb after-care from his team. Apparently there are plans afoot to move the unit to Gloucester Hospital. This must not happen.

Think of the cost and trauma of family and friends making the daily hike to Gloucester to visit loved ones.

Public transport to Gloucester hospital from the Worcester catchment area is non-existent.

It is totally irresponsible to lose the expertise built up and proven over the years at Worcester. We must not allow financially driven initiatives to become more important than what is best for the patient.

I urge ex-patients, their families and friends to contact their local MPs so that they can stop these plans reaching fruition.

DAVID UPSON,

Malvern,

Worcestershire.