I READ with both surprise and dismay about the proposed closure of Archways (The Press, August 17).

This year we have personal experience of how good the unit is, and how effective it is in bridging the gap between hospital and home care.

My wife had been in intensive care for several days, followed by several days in an acute ward, after which her problem condition had been treated. However, after over a month in bed, she could not walk or deal with any of her most basic needs herself.

A return home was impossible at that stage, and she was transferred to Archways; after two weeks she had been helped to walk again and gain enough independence in order for me to care for her at home.

Without Archways I don’t know what the proposed action would have been.

As home care was not possible, a longer stay in hospital may have been the only option.

In Archways the staff are able to concentrate on rehabilitation and monitor the progress of patients very effectively - it could be described as an intensive care unit for rehabilitation.

We feel very fortunate and thankful that we had Archways to help us at a very difficult time. If it is closed, we fear that others in a similar situation may not be so fortunate.

I appeal to the NHS decision makers: please re-examine, I think it really does merit a rethink.

Tony Brook, Bishopthorpe, York