THANKS FOR CONTRIBUTION

MY husband and I drove down from Scotland in April in order to meet our wonderful new grandson Alexander.

He was born in the Macclesfield maternity unit. My daughter had nothing but praise for the wonderful treatment she received from ALL the staff in the unit. She says ALL the staff were extremely professional and friendly and their unstinting support was extremely appreciated by both her and her husband.

Before we got there, she let us know that they had to take Alexander to the children’s ward as he was jaundiced, so we agreed to meet them there, in the cafe.

We got a bit lost, but the wonderful reception staff at A&E were of great assistance and we soon met up.

I cannot tell you how much it means to us, to know that my daughter, her husband, and baby Alexander were looked after so well. When you live hundreds of miles away, it is a huge comfort.

The NHS often comes in for much criticism, therefore, I think it only just, that we should also make sure that they are praised for the wonderful work they do. Please give them a HUGE pat on the back from us. We thank them all, Catherine Gerrard via email I WOULD like to thank the many patients, carers, members of the public and NHS staff who have contributed to the mental health consultation run by the three local NHS commissioning groups and Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

I have personally attended and presented at four local events and have listened to, and taken on board, the ideas, questions, concerns and expectations of all present.

There have been passionate debates, respectful challenge, considerable innovative ideas and incredible personal stories shared throughout the last 12 weeks, and I wanted to reiterate that no decision has yet been made. This was not just about money, politics, travel, Millbrook Unit or evidence.

It was also about how some of the most vulnerable people, and their families, are supported to lead fulfilling lives through innovative models of mental health care whilst meeting the highest standards we would expect for any condition or service.

I have heard stories of how people in crisis have had nowhere to turn other than A+E when at their most vulnerable, how they have had to nurse loved ones over days due to overstretched community support, how a local inpatient unit provides such assurance and support, and how isolated, or supported, people have felt in equal measure at times during their illness.

Now the consultation has ended, the comments and stories shared will be independently collated and assessed. I hope and expect that everyone’s valid concerns and ideas will be incorporated into a final proposal for consideration by the NHS. Dr Paul Bowen GP, Chair of NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG