Readers' letters - August 31

My experience of all nursing and medical staff at both Chorley and Preston hospitals has always been nothing short of first class.

However, I really feel for them, having seen the totally negative attitude of the so-called ‘Trust’ which manages them.

Now we hear, not from the Trust but from the media, that there are proposals for a ‘super hospital’, to be situated around Lostock Hall/ Bamber Bridge or Walton Summit areas.

We have also heard that the newly opened Urgent Care Centre at Chorley hospital has been sold off to a private provider!

A centrally situated hospital to handle major trauma patients is an excellent idea and would certainly be easier to access than the present situation of everyone having to travel to the north of the region, with the inevitable delays caused by motorway problems, et cetera.

But shouldn’t these facilities have been put in place and construction at least started, before closing our local A&E?

When it comes to trusting the so-called ‘Trust’, I have serious doubts that they could even organise the proverbial party in a brewery!

Funding of the NHS is, of course, a major problem.

It should not be an excuse for inefficiency.

Perhaps now is the time for a major re-think on the funding of the NHS, which simply cannot continue to be free at the point of need with the present system.

It is going to be a brave minister who comes up with a solution, but I really feel it now needs talking about, out in the open, NOT behind closed doors.

Graham Archer, Chorley

Still waiting to hear about site

After another successful carnival, despite the weather, the possibility of a high profile concert next year and the improvements in our town centre, there is cause for optimism in Morecambe, but as always there is a huge fly in the ointment.

It is of course the old Frontierland site.

Since the very strange decision to shut the Ranch House pub earlier than its contract stated, we have heard nothing about what is happening with the land.

This ridiculous debacle has been going on for nearly three years. The pub was a well-run, popular, successful business.

Serious questions need to be asked about what is going on at the site. Unfortunately LCC, our great council, seems to let Morrisons do what it wants and appears to be way past caring.

As for our MP, the dodo bird has been seen more times in our town recently.

A few thousand pounds could landscape the site and tidy it 
up.

Morrisons has made billions in profit in the years it has had the land.

We can only hope the new business plans for the Arndale and town centre work well because when, and if, anything is done with the old Frontierland site, it will be for the benefit of Morrisons only.

The people of Morecambe’s opinions count for nothing and they never have, but in the meantime the wait for news on the site goes on and on and on.

N Appleyard, Morecambe

Arts and Music Festival success

The committee of Garstang Arts and Music Festival would like to thank all who took part in the events of this year’s festival, which came to an end on Monday, as well as all those who attended or helped in any way.

As in previous years, this year’s festival has been a success owing to the talented people who took part and the support of the people of the town and wider district.

Gillian Lamb, Chairman, Garstang Arts and Music Festival

EU uncertainty for health staff

Two months have passed since the decision was made that the UK will be leaving the EU. There has been much talk but little clarity about what happens next and the consequences for all of us.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) remains concerned about the impact on the nursing workforce. NHS hospitals, care homes and other organisations across the health and social care sectors rely on the huge contribution of nursing staff from both inside and outside the EU. There are more than 33,000 EU trained nurses registered to work in the UK.

Nearly 2,000 of these work in our region. The continuing uncertainty about what Brexit means for the future of EU nursing staff working here and those interested in doing so threatens to worsen nursing shortages, already threatened by changes to student funding and the removal of bursaries.

We also continue to hear of cases of abuse directed at EU nursing staff following the referendum and the assumption by some that they should have left the UK. There must be zero tolerance of any such abuse.

The RCN will ensure the nursing voice is heard as negotiations on leaving the EU commence. We must never lose sight of the fact that, without EU nurses, health services could not operate and patient care would suffer.

Dave Dawes, RCN North West Regional Board Chairman

Jeremy was just following rules

There has been much controversy about Jeremy Corbyn passing empty seats on his recent rail journey when he had to sit on the floor. Those who have criticised need to be a little more observant. Most,if not all, the vacant seats have reserved tickets on them, for which the passenger has to pay a premium, so Jeremy was just following the rules not to occupy reserved seats.

Fred Hodson, Penwortham

Welcoming The Welcome Cafe

It was a great occasion when my favourite cafe re-opened on Victoria Street, Morecambe. As well as The Mayor, loyal customers from the previous site turned out in full force, myself included. It is aptly named The Welcome Cafe and I’m sure it will be another success for Elaine, Kath and my favourite staff.

Mrs A Sandbach, Heysham