I REFER to the article in the Bolton Evening News (Saturday, September 10), regarding community care for the elderly and the new beds and service to be based at Darley Court.

I would like to try to allay Andy Morgan's, and anyone else's, fears about "hospital in the community".

I have been nursed by the rapid response nurses twice in the last 12 months. Without this service in the community by highly qualified professionals I would have spent weeks in hospital taking up a bed.

My condition was potentially life threatening on my admission to the newly created clinical assessment unit and, after tests and emergency treatment, I was allowed home again in approximately 16 hours less stressful and easier for my family and friends.

I am aware, and have been for sometime now, that nurses who specialise in the nursing of our "evergreens" have been based at Darley Court. I witnessed their expertise when they nursed my friend. A friend's mother is due to enter Darley Court in a matter of days and negative comments can only do more harm than good. We need as many services as possible to be community based.

Paula Waites

Bolton