THE story appeared in the Courier on Friday, June 27 Issue 987. THE story is about the fight to save the overnight beds at Crediton Hospital. The local branch of the Devon Senior Voice (DSV) plan to hold a rally on the town square, during the Farmers' Market, on Saturday, July 5, from 10am to 1pm. During the rally the group will be collecting signatures for a petition which they will present to the Devon clinical commissioning group (New Devon CCG), at the end of the month. There is a possibility that all the overnight beds will be closed at Crediton Hospital, changing it to a day-care facility which will offer services including physiotherapy, hearing tests and chiropody. Overnight beds are currently used for rehabilitation and end-of-life care allowing patients to be near to their homes and making it easier for family and friends to visit regularly. If the closure goes ahead how will it affect the health and well-being of the patients and their family and friends? What do you think? Please let me know. Contact me at 102 High Street, Crediton or email [email protected]">[email protected]. Readers are also invited to take part in the poll on the Courier website http://www.creditoncouriernewspaper.co.uk">www.creditoncouriernewspaper.co.uk.

What you told us ..........

I feel very strongly about it. People will have to go away from home. The hospital is needed and is well-used. Eileen Seddon, Crediton.

Although we are not involved with the hospital at the moment, we might need it one day. It is ridiculous to close it when you consider the age of people in Crediton. The service is much needed. I know people who have used it and it has been a godsend for them. Toni Dempers, Crediton.

It's dreadful! My mum was there for five years and if it hadn't been for the hospital I don't know what she would have done. She was very well looked after. The hospital is used for respite and end-of-life care – where will they go now? The RD & E is often full. Jean and Bill Phillips, Lapford.

Online Poll

We asked our readers: Do you think Crediton should retain a working Youth Centre? At the time of going to press the results showed: Yes 57% No 43 %