WITH regard to the recent evacuation of Bowood Home during a hoax bomb scare, a jumble of thoughts remain.

And, as many Redditch people will at some time have a relative in this old folk's home, perhaps we should all give consideration to many queries arising from the incident.

I was visiting Bowood on that day and the shout was "everyone out".

Wheelchair patients were quickly pushed outside (there was a shortage of wheelchairs). Many people were carried and support given where necessary.

One lady was screaming, not with fright but from pain in her joints, which she could hardly move.

Another could not face the ''outside''. She suffered from agoraphobia and ran back inside.

The tale could go on but suffice to say, a crazy situation was somehow brought under control.

Southern Cross can be justly proud of their staff.

Great help turned up from Hi Q Tyres and Roy Edwardes, with strong arms to take those carried from inside.

Police were calling for patients to be moved away from the building. To accomplish that with safety meant staff also had to take care of their people on a busy roundabout at the entrance to the home.

The whole incident illuminates the scale of having to move, in some cases seriously incapacitated people, and the potential for ''injury'' in so doing. Escaping from one threat into several others!

What do hospitals do in such circumstances?

What if it had been dead-of-night, icy conditions (even pouring rain) or bitter winter weather? There are very vulnerable people here and it cannot be the responsibility of Southern Cross alone.

How would a rescue proceed surrounded by choking smoke? So many of those to be rescued haven't full use of their limbs and some, no use at all. How long do fire doors hold?

Incidentally, the sight of a fire engine - just the sight of one - would have been a boost. Where were they, we are left wondering?

Mrs EJ Mitchell

Riverside