In defence of campaign leader.

As one of a small number of local residents who form part of 'Save The Alex' campaign group, I was both astonished and dismayed to read comments made by Mr. Rostill and Mr. O'Riordan, (Chief Executive and Chairman of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust) in your article of 11/10/06 'Chief hits out at campaign leader'.

Neal Stote of 'Save The Alex' is a man of integrity who has worked hundreds of hours in his own time and at great personal cost, to raise local awareness of services that are outlined for closure at the Alexandra Hospital. He has steered the group, campaigned tirelessly and selflessly and his commitment and enthusiasm never fail. Neal has inspired many members of the Redditch/Bromsgrove/Studley area to speak out against the proposed hospital cuts and is a great motivator. It is gratifying to work alongside him.

Mr Stote has never 'lied to gain access' to secure hospital units and has never claimed to have 'permission' from the trust chairman to deliver leaflets. He was neither responsible for, nor did group members take part in 'dumping leaflets all over the hospital'. Furthermore, I am unaware of any 'privileges' Mr. O'Riordan feels he has given us, so I would be very interested to know what these so-called privileges are.

We are unaware of any staff feeling 'intimidated' by Save The Alex. Intimidation is not the objective of a campaign group fighting to retain services. Why would we 'intimidate' or 'pressurise' anyway, what purpose would this serve? Staff want what we all want, which is a fully functioning hospital with intact services and departments and no loss of clinical jobs.

Save the Alex has always been a small, disciplined group of caring individuals, supporting local hospital services and local NHS jobs. We care passionately about the cause and would do nothing to alienate staff nor would we operate inappropriately. This would not help our case at all.

Perhaps Mr. Rostill and Mr. O'Riordan are practicing the well known art of 'spin' in attempting to deflect attention from the real concern. They are on the brink of announcing department closures with these being transferred to Worcester. OUR concern is keeping staff and services at the Alexandra Hospital. For the good of all in the local community, perhaps that should be the main concern of the Chief Executive and Chairman also.

Their quotes referring to Neal Stote and Save The Alex are misguided. We are not the ones talking 'rubbish'. Instead of working WITH the Save the Alex group on what OUGHT to be a common cause, Mr. Rostill and Mr. O'Riordan are attempting, by making such statements, to turn it into a campaign to simply discredit Neal Stote and the campaign. Perhaps it would be more appropriate that they look for more creative ways of safeguarding the health of the local people other than merely removing services. So lets concentrate on the REAL issue - NO CUTS AT THE ALEX. It is the local community that will be 'desperately disappointe' if services are removed.

And as a postscript, can I add a huge 'Thank you' to everyone who turned out on a wet and dismal Thursday morning to support the protest rally. Your voice DOES count.

J. Faulkes
Save the Alex campaign