MADAM, It is appalling that this reduction in the hours that the Minor Injuries Unit may be functioning at the Community Hospital has been introduced without consultation. The stated reason is ridiculous How does this move 'protect the clinical safety of patients'?

If there is a serious financial shortfall at the Wye Valley Trust that is more reason for there to be adequate consultation with all those directly affected. As someone who practised in Ross for 21 years, I found that the Casualty work at the then Cottage Hospital was of a high standard on the part of both doctors and nurses, and was a most rewarding part of our work as GPs, as well as being much appreciated by our patients.

I have no doubt that the skills of both nurses and doctors here are of a high standard now, and I would entirely agree with those who have pointed to the absurdity of minor injuries having to travel to Hereford after hours on week days or at weekends.

Please can we have some lateral thinking by all concerned to keep this Unit functioning on a 24-hour basis. The current arguments that are on-going about the concentration of the more specialised work of Accident and Emergency Units makes the continued existence of this type of Minor Injuries Unit even more essential.

(Dr) Richard Parker, Ross

MADAM, As elderly pensioners with limited mobility we are horrified at the proposed changes to the MIU at Ross. The absence of any consultation is disgraceful. Indeed the first indications we had of the impending change was at the Friends of Ross Coffee morning.

Our hope is there will be substantial support for any move to redress the situation.

George and Margaret Vickers, Ross