BOTH my wife and I strongly object to the proposals for the transfer of health care sections from our local hospitals.

We have a particular reason for supporting the fight to save the services at the Alex.

It was towards the end of June. Four days before, I had returned, apparently fit and well, from a holiday in Ischia. Now I was lying, collapsed and unable to get up, with the ambulance at the door.

I do not remember being taken to the ambulance or much about my arrival at the hospital.

I had been checked and x-rayed before realising I was in a hospital bed with drugs being pumped intravenously into my arm and the impression of the medical staff fighting for my well-being.

Two days later, when I was more aware of things, the registrar came to see me. Looking at my tanned complexion, the first question amused me: "Been on holiday?" "Yes", "Where've you been?" "Italy", "Been staying in Naples?" "Not in Naples itself, but in Bay of Naples". "There's an 'orrible bug down there which is causing us concern and it's attacked your right lung."

Within a week I was allowed home to continue my convalescence, but was not fully discharged from the care of the hospital until October. It was only then that I was informed that I had suffered from Legionella.

That was four years ago. I often look back, with gratitude, to the help and expertise of the staff at Alexandra Hospital and its A&E Department, who, I am sure, saved my life. What if my journey to hospital had been four times as long?

And what of my poor wife? She had all the worry and concern - I didn't know what was going on! It was bad enough for her getting to the hospital to see how I was - how would she cope with a 50 mile round trip.

The transfer of this department to Worcester is not acceptable.

Norman Witham

Bromsgrove