I have first hand experience of observing the work of Heronwood ward, at Wanstead Hospital, over a period of daily visits for six weeks, as my sister was there with a broken right shoulder and a broken left wrist.

I have nothing but praise for the work undertaken there by the staff.

It functions like no other hospital ward.

It is a place where people who have suffered broken limbs receive, daily, the help and encouragement they need to be able to resume their lives with confidence. The staff and ancilliaries made time to encourage the patients at every opportunity.

The physiotherapy they received was ongoing throughout the stay.

The educational and recreational sessions were designed to help patients come to terms with what had happened to them and help prepare them life back at home.

It is an asset to the community, not just a source of revenue to be frittered away and lost for ever.

More importantly it serves an area which, apart from Whipps Cross, is furthest away from any other facility in this part of east London.

Redbridge should join with the other trusts to keep it as one of the best facilities provided in this area.

VM Kimpton Woodlands Avenue Wanstead