A CALL for Okehampton Hospital's care unit for the elderly confused to be saved has come from a prominent GP.
Dr Paul Nielson, who spearheaded the campaign to build Okehampton's hospital, wants people to write to their MP and to the primary care trust's chief executive, demanding the unit be kept open.
In a letter to the Times, Dr Nielson said: 'These are our most dispossessed patients — they do not have a voice, it is the voice of their carers, relatives and the public who ensure their safety and the quality of service.'
Closure of the unit was a 'potential tragedy', he said. 'Our patients are going to be left at a considerable disadvantage.'
The Redvers mental health unit in Okehampton remains 'in suspension' after being closed last autumn.
The six-bed unit for older people with mental health needs had eight full time staff.
Day care was provided every weekday on the unit and the team oversaw a second day care unit which ran twice a week, jointly provided by health and social services. The community mental health team was also based there.
West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox has expressed 'profound disquiet' about the suspension of the unit.
Dr Nielson was a GP at Okehampton Medical Centre for many years. He is now at the Holsworthy Surgery.