THE IMPORTANCE OF THORNBURY HOSPITAL
 

Andrew and Mollie Harrison
 

"We were very sorry to learn from the latest issue of South Gloucestershire CLARION of the plans to close Thornbury Hospital. As a family we have a close appreciation of the care and support provided by this small and friendly unit. In late 2000 my Mother started showing signs of dementia onset and after a spell in Southmead was transferred to Grace Ward where she spent several months undergoing assessment.

The care she received at Grace Ward was truly wonderful and after the busy and impersonal atmosphere of Southmead, it was a relief both to her and the family when she was assigned to this small, very caring and supportive unit. The staff were friendly and went out of their way to offer my mother care and consideration. We would like to have our names added to the campaign to save the hospital.

Please publish these comments and the following inscription from one of this country's old empire outposts that summarises our feelings and frustration in an age when vast sums are being spent on the war in Iraq, but healthcare for the most vulnerable in our society can no longer be "afforded":

"The greatness of a nation consists not so much in the number of its people or the extent of its territory as in the extent and justice of its compassion."
 

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