Lives at risk if we lose A&E

I feel I must write to you to express my feelings of gratitude to both William Harvey Hospital and the Brabourne Care Centre in Ashford.

Having suffered a nasty accident in August last year, I was taken from Tenterden to the William Harvey by emergency ambulance. On arrival at the hospital, I received the best emergency care possible. All staff concerned did their utmost to attend to me and make me as comfortable as possible. The NHS staff were excellent, hardworking and most of the time, under pressure to fulfil all patient needs.

After time, I was transferred to the Brabourne Care

Centre for continued care and physiotherapy. It being just one of two options that are able to take non-weight bearing patients.

Every member of staff, from management and admin staff to nurses, carers, house-keeping staff, kitchen, hairdresser, occupational physiotherapy, including a brilliant physio, all did their very best to promote my recovery.

I could not have asked for better care, had I been in a five-star private hospital. There are just too many names to mention, but all of the staff concerned were absolutely brilliant in their job roles and the care was second to none.

As a footnote, I feel that both A&E and maternity services need to stay at William Harvey Hospital. With its close proximity to motorways and villages in my area. With the option of Canterbury taking over these services, I feel will not work. The journey time and access to Canterbury would mean that lives could be put at risk. I consider myself lucky to have been taken to William Harvey Hospital as being taken further afield could have had dire consequences.

Chrissie Hosie,

Bells Lane, Tenterden

I am handicapped and walk with a stick with my head constantly looking down whenever I venture out walking in the town, particularly the stretch of pavement I have mentioned above where a neighbour fell last year.

I am sure the council is aware that this town consists of many residents who are handicapped one way or the other. My neighbour who has a push cart fell last year when it hit a raised slab and the jolt sent him sideways. He is in his eighties.

There are so many slabs that need levelling in many areas of town. Please take these concerns seriously and spend the money to help make the town’s pavements safe . Valerie Wiltshire,

High Street, Tenterden