THE following letter has been sent to NEW Devon CCG (Northern, Eastern and Western Clinical Commissioning Group): WE write concerning the removal of inpatient facilities at Crediton Hospital, the shameful manner in which many believe you have misled the public in this matter, and our local community's widespread suspicion of your intention to eventually close the hospital altogether. An important pillar of the democracy we claim to cherish is the rule of law, in which is sought "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth". Whilst trying to more fully appreciate your need to rationalise diminishing financial resources (reduction of premises and staff) and maximise use of the latest medical technologies and social insights (care at home), the whole truth has by many local people been felt to be in short supply, in both your statements and your so-called "consultation" exercise. Perhaps the prime example of the light touch on your truth is the stated shortage of staff at the Hospital, which is claimed to have been "engineered" deliberately by you, with only short-term contracts to prospective staff. Unless you are prepared to be completely honest with us, including we who signed the petition against closure - our number being virtually half the residents of Crediton, we cannot know the whole truth, can we? Finally, I draw your attention also to three points: 1. The perception of the failure of Torrington Hospital's STITCH home care trial, similarly proposed for Crediton and district; 2. The possibly greater hardships of access to the proposed Ottery St Mary stroke hub by both Exeter medical staff (Crediton is closer) and particularly by visitors from west of Exeter and 3. Closure of Crediton Hospital now will result in reopening (perhaps) never. Please, in doing what you have to do, try to take even more human factors into consideration, and treat us more openly and honestly as adults. Help us to better appreciate the difficult work you have to do and the choices you must make. Please leave us our hospital and help us, because we want to work with you. The Rev Charles and Mrs Georgina Edwards The Peak Crediton