I WRITE in support of Dr John Garside’s letter (D&S Times, Nov 13) concerning the “temporary closure” of the Lambert Memorial Hospital.

The precipitate action to close the hospital and the reasons given for its closure raise serious issues, including the competence of the authorities involved in taking such an action.

Over the generations, the people of Thirsk and the surrounding area have given generously to support ‘their’ hospital. Many have good reason to thank the nurses and doctors who tended to their needs. Now if we are not very careful the hospital will be no more.

Perhaps at this point I should declare an interest. Some six years ago my wife entered the palliative care unit, and died there. Everyone was on hand to make such a painful experience as comforting as possible.

Many in the community had raised money to pay for the unit, and it has been well used.

So people of Thirsk: Don’t let ‘them’ get away with it. Tell your doctors and your councillors what you think, and ask your councillors what YOU can do. Don’t just leave it to others.

Lionel G Twiss, Thirsk