SO Northern Devon Healthcare has announced the "temporary" closure of beds at our hospital. We do not need any "whistleblower" to explain the shortage of staff which, they say, is the cause of this decision. Since Northern Devon took on responsibility for the Community Hospitals in north, west and east Devon they have undermined and dismembered a network of small hospitals which provided excellent care and were highly valued by the communities they served. Is it not surprising that there was a lack of staff wanting to take up appointments under this authority? So - how does this decision square with the widely trumpeted Health Service policy of offering treatment closer to people's homes? And what is the point of carrying out surveys of public preferences, only to ignore the outcome? And finally - If the prospect of treating people in their own homes rather than in hospital is really going to be implemented, can they really be safe there if they are not safe in a purpose-built hospital unit with a staff nurse and one or more healthcare assistants on the premises? I think we should be told. Mary Collins, Chairman Crediton Hospital League of Friends. • Mel Stride, the MP for Central Devon, has commented on the proposed "temporary" closure of overnight beds at Crediton Hospital. He told the "Courier": "I am extremely concerned by the announcement by NDHT that the beds in Crediton Hospital are to close due to staffing challenges. "This is a totally unsatisfactory situation and I am in urgent contact with the trust to press for this wholly unacceptable situation to be resolved as soon as possible."