I HAVE never been a person to join in any campaigns against closure of NHS services, as I was of the opinion that once the powers that be have decided, it never matters what the public want. That is, until my dear late mother was admitted to Worcester Hospital three weeks ago.

Oh yes, it is state of the art but the nursing care is dreadful, I witnessed patients ignored for hours and made to feel a nuisance for the basic requests.

The water jugs were left empty and one poor soul I gave a drink to was so grateful I nearly wept.

My mother was left sitting in a chair for seven hours at a time, and when it was decided to transfer her to Evesham Hospital I was told as she was dying it was for the best as one nurse put it: "We don't have time to care".

When we arrived at Evesham we were greeted with open arms, it was the typical "before and after" story.

Mother was treated with such dignity and kindness, angels could not have done more.

What is the problem at Worcester? If I had the misfortune to ever need to be admitted there I'm afraid I'd rather die in the street, and whatever anyone says I stand by my word, and hope never to see the place again.

If Evesham Hospital closes it will be a cruel blow to the community.

The nursing staff are indeed dedicated and caring, we would go a long way to find such caring people who treat our elderly with the respect they deserve.

If I can ever be of any help to try to save the hospital would anyone please get in touch and I will do my utmost,

MRS C CLARKE, Westbourne, Honeybourne.

l No-one from the Worcestershire Acute Trust was available for comment after being contacted by the Journal.