Madam,

In relation to your article on the health board’s possible re-introduction of inpatient mental health beds in Aberystwyth.

Having suffered mental illness myself over the past couple of years, and my life having been saved by the amazing staff of Bronglais A&E and ICU, I feel very strongly about this subject.

Although I fully support the community services, particularly the Crisis Team and staff of Gorwelion who are wonderful, inpatient beds must be available - “could” is not good enough.The nearest inpatient beds are 50 miles away, and with there only being nine the ward is usually full, meaning a further journey to Llanelli or Haverfordwest. Myself, and other patients, are at one of the most vulnerable times of our lives, yet being sent to places where our family can’t even reach to visit.Each time a patient is transferred, two members of staff are required to be present, taking them away from their already full schedule.The closure of Afallon Ward was not only unfair on patients but also on staff.

Let’s hope the health board listens to the public (as this has been brought up at every public meeting) and instead of spending the next few months sitting around a desk discussing it, get it into place quickly.I urge the public to get behind this and any other opportunity to get our services back to Bronglais.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff through all mental health services, and the doc-tors and nurses in Bronglais A&E and ICU for the difference they have made to my, and many others’ lives.

Yours etc

Name and address supplied.