Madam,

I have sadly suffered from mental health issues for many years and in those years I have experienced the highs and now the near extinction of mental health services in Aberystwyth.

When I was first ill, the facilities were in the North Road hospital, Aberystwyth. How thrilled I and others were when a brand new up-to-date psychiatric ward was built at Bronglais hospital – Afallon Ward. It was an answer to a prayer for those of us with mental health problems. I say “was” because it is now closed – no psychiatric ward in Aberyst-wyth. But don’t worry, you can go to Carmarthen.

Often Afallon ward acted as an overflow ward for Carmarthen. Therefore if Carmarthen was full they would send patients to Aberystwyth. If Carmarthen needed an overflow in Aberystwyth, how could they possibly cope with all the patients from Aberystwyth. Mathematics and experience has shown that they cannot. I personally have never been assigned directly to Carmarthen. Never mind – there is Llanelli and Haverford-west.It took my husband two hours and 15 minutes one way to visit me in Llanelli, and my experiences made me feel that it would be better to die at home than return.

My last experience was Haverfordwest. I have a great deal of praise for the staff, but it still took my husband two hours one way to visit me, and his visits were limited as he has a health problem of his own. Closing Afallon ward was a disservice to Aberystwyth.Now, Gorwellion therapy sessions are closing next week. This no doubt feels like the last straw for those who need ongoing care. It is true that the crisis team exists and they are excellent, but some individuals need more than a half-hour visit. They need the activity, companionship, and most of all, a professional person in attendance who can observe the individual’s mood and give the necessary support and attention immediately. As I can no longer attend Gorwelion, I am told that I can go to Mind or Hafal, but I have received mixed reactions. I appreciate that there is a need for budget cuts, but surely to remove so much of the mental health service in Aberystwyth is to give the impression that we have been cut adrift, without suf-ficient support. Surely this is a step too far.

Yours etc

Name and address supplied.