I FEEL I must respond to the article in The Bolton News (March 13) headed "Lack of funding forces staff to run lung disease service".

I am one of the lucky patients who has until recently been using the "ad-hoc" services, the treatment in my case being administered by a very dedicated and caring physiotherapist. This professional treatment I receive makes a very big difference to my quality of life.

However, I would like to remind people that way back in July 2005, The Royal Bolton Hospital announced that it was closing the excellent existing outpatient physiotherapy service for people with chronic lung disease. This resulted in an article in the Bolton Evening News dated July 22, 2005, in which both Keith Orton and myself complained about this closure.

The response from Nigel Palmer, divisional manager of corporate services at the hospital, was, and I quote, "The future provision of services for patients with respiratory disease is under review and increasingly patients will be treated in a community setting, without the need for them to come to hospital for treatment.".

As it is now more than 18 months since this statement was made, can the hospital please tell us what progress has been made in setting up this community service, as I know nothing whatsoever about it.

Also, can our three MPs inform us what they intend to do about the lack of funding for the treatment of seriously ill patients with chronic lung disease?

Mr A Livesey Red Lane Bolton