Re: The front page article of last week's Journal and the large headline, "Family slam state of Alexandra's ward".

Within the complaints about Beech Ward which Mrs Bartys makes, there are some fair points which are worthy of scrutiny, such as the reduction of the number of in-patient beds following the closure of Phoenix, the physical smallness of the new unit, the relative proximity under one roof of two separate patient groups (the elderly and younger patients) and the different nursing skills required for each of these groups.

This new provision at St Andrew's was very much the result of policy decisions made by Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust who were adamant that this was the way forward for mental health care, along with what they reckoned to be enhanced care within people's homes, thus greatly reducing the need for hospitalisation.

Not everyone was happy with the foundation trust's determination to set up the new St Andrew's but it is fair to say that there was some opportunity for public consultation, and there was some coverage in the Journal at the time.

Nevertheless, I am not entirely out of sympathy with Mrs Bartys, but I do greatly regret statements such as "You would not keep a dog in these conditions". In some people's imagination this will surely conjure up appalling pictures of physical facilities and, also, levels of care, which I am confident are very far from the truth. In particular, the unnecessary anxiety this may place in the minds of patients, both current and potential, and their families, is particularly unfortunate.

It is worth noting that the Mendip area is represented at the foundation trust by two lay members, ie members of the general public who represent all us local citizens.

Among other duties, they meet with the directors and can carry any concerns to those directors.

Their contact details are available from Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Mallard Court, Express Park, Bristol Road, Bridgwater, TA6 4RN, 01278 432055, and I am confident that people such as Mrs Bartys would do well to speak to them.

Richard Hanks Member of the Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Hawkers Lane Wells