I am writing about the proposed closure of Heronwood and Galleon wards at Wanstead Hospital.

Heronwood and Galleon wards provide a fantastic service for the elderly who need this vital care service. Being elderly and unwell means these people are very vulnerable and the fantastic care they currently get ensures they get the best treatment they need.

Maybe you know someone, or you yourself have been a patient in one of these wards?

Who knows when anyone of us will need such care.

All elderly folk were young once and at such a time in their lives, it is important they will know they will be cared for as valued human beings.

These wards provide a community service and treat the patients as respected individuals. The Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) announced a plan to reorganise intermediate care services in the three boroughs of Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham and Havering.

Currently there are 104 intermediate care beds provided across the boroughs and the plan is to reduce these to just around 40 beds to be provided at King George Hospital.

It appears that the land on the Wanstead Hospital site is seen as more valuable than the cost of caring for the elderly and the plan will probably be to sell to property developers if the ward closures go ahead. If these wards are closed, then it is likely the physiotherapy unit and blood testing unit may also close.

It is important that we fight to keep these services open. The deadline for the consultation is October 15, so please send in your views to the consultation group. Information can be found at www.redbridgeccg.nhs.uk/ intermediatecare.

You can register your opinion at www.surveymonkey.

com/s/intermediate-care, or you can emailhaveyoursay@ onel.nhs.uk. There is also a brochure with a questionnaire to complete at the back to return which I understand you can request. We will also be collecting signatures for a petition in Wanstead High Street on Saturdays between 11am and 1pm near the Co-op.

Janice Eglin Broadwalk South Woodford