FURTHER to my in the Crediton Courier (May 23), my suggestions seem to have been vindicated by Health Minister Norman Lamb, who said he was "passionate about the need to re-invent local hospitals" and by Simon Stevens, the new Head of the NHS in England, who said that the NHS must "stop closing cottage hospitals and return to treating patients in their local communities," pledging that there would be new models of care based around local hospitals. While the North Devon Trust is busy closing hospital beds in small Devon hospitals, such as Torrington, Moretonhampstead and Budleigh Salterton any attempt to do so in Crediton must be vigorously resisted. The bigger Crediton Community Hospital could accommodate 24 beds, which would make it quite a significant player, offering inpatient and outpatient services similar to Tiverton and Okehampton's. The so-called "Hub" for social care, nursing and other services could still be based there. As I mentioned previously, our hospital's proximity to Exeter would make liaison with the RD and E, if properly instituted, the obvious way forward. I entirely agree with Mr Higgs' letter that someone energetic and youngish is needed to take up the baton and "start the ball rolling." One day he or she might be old and need these services themselves. Please step forward Sir or Madam! Dr Christopher Maycock The Court Neopardy Crediton