PATIENTS in the Willows Ward at Evesham Community Hospital are living in fear, according to a Vale man.

Stroke victims are worried about what will happen to them if they are turfed out of the specialist ward to fend for themselves.

Lionel Wright, whose mother, Ros Wright, was reduced from a fit active 72-year old - who looked more like 60 - to a paralysed bed-bound invalid, said that without the specialised hospital care, she most probably would have given up and died.

Mr Wright said: "Our mother was always a very fit lady before she was struck down in the middle of January. She went to Cheltenham Acute Hospital then moved to the Willows. She was paralysed down one side and couldn't eat or drink for herself, or go to the toilet.

"It is laughable to suggest that she could be treated at home with only my 75-year-old father to hand. Instead the staff have done the most amazing things.

"Everyday small miracles are happening. Now she's on solid foods and can be taken out in a wheel chair and soon we will be able to take her home and look after her ourselves.

"The very idea that we could look after her sooner without the benefit of hoists and medical equipment to get her moving, is absolutely stupid."

He said that some patients on Mrs Wright's ward that had just arrived were very worried about their future treatment, and others half way through are wondering what will happen.

Mr Wright said: "My mother had five children and we will all be doing out best to campaign to save our hospital."