Familiar surroundings are so important for a patient

Published: 11 November, 2010

• MY husband has suffered from dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) for the past 14 years.  

All along we have been told by his neurologists that the most important thing for his wellbeing is to keep him in a familiar environment as DLB is, unlike Alzheimer’s, variable and there are times of complete lucidity. At such times being in a strange environment brings out the worst in the patient and can cause violence and unpleasantness. These symptoms are enormously lessened when the patient is kept ideally at home or at least somewhere where he or she can be visited by friends and family

It is appalling that Tom Costello (New Journal passim) has been sent to a strange place. I have never met him but understand his has many friends and relatives who were anxious to keep him in his familiar surroundings.   

He should be returned there as soon as possible.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

Bed-cutting

• IT was unfair of the New Journal to print five letters rounding on Richard Arthur, chair of the Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust (November 4). 

Mr Arthur’s letter the previous week was only trying to explain why it didn’t matter that local hero Tom Costello had to be shipped miles away from friends and family to a private hospital despite the trust having 70 “surplus” NHS beds earmarked for closure.

Readers like Councillor Andrew Mennear obviously don’t realise that the chair does not care for patients himself. 

I feel strongly that the plight of individuals, however sad, should not interfere with the corporate aspirations of the NHS.

The public need to support Richard Arthur and his bed-cutting policies before he has to step down like his predecessor…

CHARLES O’DONNELL
Address supplied