The people of the Romsey area have helped and supported our hospital for more than 100 years. The Romsey Advertiser has always chronicled their interest and generosity. It would be astonishing if the NHS Primary Care Trust now let all this go for nothing.

The League of Friends of Romsey Hospital is alerting its members to the enquiry currently being held by the NHS Primary Care Trust into the future of beds at Romsey Hospital. Mr Chris Marchant, honorary director of the Romsey Hospital Appeal and secretary of The League of Friends said: "The generosity of the people of this area has been magnificent.

They raised £129,000 (equivalent to around £390,000 today) for an earlier appeal in 1979 and £1,120,000 for the Millennium Appeal led by Dr John White and then Dr Frank Akerman. This money, together with a contribution from the NHS was spent on improvements in our Hospital.

"The League of Friends, whose funds also come from the public, provide on-going help for patients. The lovely, therapeutic garden was provided and is maintained through this money. It was specially designed to give access to wheelchairs and beds so that in-patients can enjoy its beauty and the fresh air outside when appropriate."

Chris said that many other improvements have been made with League of Friends contributions. Most recently these have included bedside televisions for in-patients, soft furnishings like curtains and bed covers, en suite toilet and washroom for a ward, special mattresses, pressure relieving bedside chairs, CD radio cassette playersfor day room and much more beside.

"All of this was done, of course, with the agreement of the hospital and the PCT. In the last four years alone the League has contributed £150,000 on these improvements for patients using the beds in Romsey Hospital wards," said Chris. "None of this would have been possible without the money given by the public. That is why it is so important now that everyone responds to the PCT's request for the views of the public and that the people of this area underline their commitment and make known the importance of Romsey Hospital's wards." l Turn to our letters page to find out how you can support the hospital.