I WRITE to express my appreciation to all the staff of ward five at Bootham Park Hospital who have provided help and support not only to my father, who until recently was a patient on the ward, but to his family.

Ward five is an assessment ward for elderly patients who have difficulties in living in a normal environment. It has provided a support to us that has not been available in many years. The benefits of being able to visit someone in surroundings that are not threatening or intimidating have been enormous.

It was therefore saddening to hear that the ward will close soon and the facility cease. It is a shame care for elderly people, especially those with mental health problems, does not have a high profile in society today.

We are an ageing society and there will be more demand for such facilities in years to come. Few places within the community can offer the care, expert knowledge and time that the staff on ward five have given to my dad. All I can say is that we have been extremely lucky. Thanks team - you have been brilliant.

Janis Broadhurst,

Geldof Road,

Huntington, York.

Updated: 08:52 Thursday, September 18, 2003