I WOULD just like to express my sincere thanks to all the staff and doctors of J2 Ward, Royal Bolton Hospital.

Their dedication and care for the gentlemen with Alzheimers is second to none, but why, oh why, are the patients situated on the first floor where they cannot gain access to fresh air.

Please NHS re-house them on the ground floor with a secure garden where they can spend their latter years in more accessible and pleasant surroundings.

Most of them haven't been in the fresh air for years, surely this is not right. This ward is the mens' home now. After all these years of waiting and being put to the back of the queue for funding, a new unit is desperately needed, and surely must now be a priority.

P Marren

Bolton