I WAS shocked to read in the Bolton Evening News on Wednesday, November 13, of the doubtful future of Hulton Hospital, now used for the care of the elderly sick patients of the local health authorities.

In this area, we have already seen the demolition of Atherleigh and Astley Hospitals, which provided care for the long-term and terminally ill.

The care of the terminally ill is now provided by hospices, funded from charitable sources. Who will now be responsible for the long term and geriatric patients?

There seems to be some vague plan between the Primary Care Trust and Bolton Social Services. We are told discussions "are ongoing" and, as Chairman John Seddon of Bolton Community Health Council, says -- "We need a lot more information". The general public certainly agree.

Alice Cook

Mealhouse Court

Atherton