HEATH boss Mike Ridley vowed to take into account the views of Willows Ward users, whose comments in support of the facility he described as "touching" and "moving".

Mr Ridley heard a series of emotional testimonies at a public board meeting of the Primary Care Trust in Pershore yesterday.

The former patients were among dozens of people who attended the meeting to seek assurances that no decision on the future of the ward had been taken ahead of consultation.

Brian Carter, of Fladbury, said he had been treated in the ward after suffering a stroke. "I put down my whole recovery to the care I received there. It has been renowned for years as a leader in stroke therapy throughout the country."

Nicolas Treacy, who suffered a stroke 21 months ago, spoke with a faltering voice about the treatment he had received on the ward.

"When you have had a stroke you are a physical and mental wreck," he said before choking on his tears. Taking up from her husband, his wife, Dawn, added: "My husband is devastated by the thought that the ward will be closing.

"Willows was a life-saver for both of us, you cannot expect people to give up work to care for their partners at home."

June Singleton, from Evesham, said her husband was admitted last May at the age of 72 and made a remarkable recovery. "The patients are looked after by extremely highly-trained staff who understand how to support people in rehabilitation."

Jill Bartels, from Norton, near Worcester, said home care would be no replacement for the ward. "I was in for five months and I was terrified that I would be sent home. Every minute I was in the hospital I thanked God that I was there."

Mike Ridley, who revealed that his mother had suffered two devastating strokes, said he understood the concerns of users from personal experience.

"I find the comments of patients who have been on the ward touching and moving and those comments - I guarantee - will be taken into account. I am very conscious of the contribution that the Willows Ward makes."

l At the same time as planning cuts, the PCT approved a £13.5m health service investment over the next three years.

The money is to be ploughed into improving services for those suffering from heart disease and the mentally ill.

Increased provision will also be made for NHS dental services.

Mr Ridley said he was delighted to confirm that £1.5m of new investments will be directed towards community services to strengthen the 24-hour district nurse provision.

He pointed out that the buildings at Evesham Community Hospital no longer meet current healthcare standards.

He said: "Change will always be difficult particularly when it affects services close to individual staff and patients."