THE Govern-ment's proposal to give an extra £300m for extra care in the community so that elderly patients can free beds sounds fine.

However, care in the community already struggles to cope, as all patients are discharged earlier and earlier from hospital. This was not the original purpose of community care.

All the beds will no doubt be filled by other patients. They will cost money to nurse, so just shifting and changing bed occupancy does not save any money.

The money should be provided anyway to improve all the present services - not just targeting and uprooting the elderly, who often live alone at home, and deserve 24 hour care in hospital if and when they need it.

KATHLEEN BULOCK, Wilkie Avenue, Burnley.

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