I WAS delighted that yet again your newspaper is supporting Malton Hospital.

As one of the patients’ representatives on the Derwent Surgery’s Patients Participation group on November 5, I first heard about the press release stating that the PCT was reducing the hours. Next morning I received an email from the PCT with the same press release; yet again no consultation.

I immediately contacted the members of the Local Involvement Network (LINK) to get their views and immediately sent an email to the PCT expressing our deep concern at this action, sadly no response was received. The Ryedale LINK is working hard with many others, to try to change the PCT’s mind. To save £100,000 when their probable deficit is £19m seems senseless.

I agree with your correspondent Mike Gwilliam (Gazette, November 14) that those who feel strongly about this issue should write to our MP. It was her intervention that helped get Ryedale Ward re-opened.

The key issue of course is a very long-standing underfund of health services in North Yorkshire.

Sheila Miller, Chairman, Ryedale LINK