Royal Bolton Hospital: We need the support of our newspaper

Whilst I appreciate the public interest aspect of journalism, I feel if we cannot get some support from our local paper, then we don't stand a chance of defending what has been for many years a very effective hospital.

Yes, the hospital is going through a difficult time, but we do not need to have it rammed down our throats for the benefits of sales for the newspaper. Many of the staff, including my wife, are currently going through all sorts of difficulties and negative emotions and may not have employment at the end of the review.

I might also point out that although some mismanagement has evidently taken place, all the clinical and medical staff at the hospital go to work to help patients and I feel they are being unfairly treated by the press.

Your recent reports regarding patients being found off the premises seems to indicate that the hospital should be some form of secure unit where patients cannot choose to leave if they want to.

I might also point out that patients have the freedom to leave if they want to without informing staff prior to doing so. As far as I am concerned, it is the responsibility of the individual or their relatives to attend with them and perhaps take some of the responsibility themselves.

It seems that everyone wants to blame someone else these days, and the hospital staff are an easy target.

I know you want to let the public know what is going on but you don't seem to want to put the good stories on the front page which I feel is unfair.

The fact of the matter is that the hospital has served our community well for many years and we will all suffer, including yourselves when the hospital is deemed no longer adequate and we end up campaigning to try to keep it open, because the government cost-cutters will jump at the chance to save a quick buck and these stories are just providing the evidence.

All I ask for is an even balance.

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