It was with great regret that I read of the imminent closure of the York District Hospital playroom.

This facility has assisted many parents and families with young children since 1966. It has enabled parents to feel that support is being given to them by caring for the children safely while they are visiting sick relatives or outpatient clinics.

It seems ironic that at a time when the Government has issued several documents setting out proposals to help families with young children in stressful situations, that the facility is to close.

It is a great pity that a joint working partnership between the hospital, local authority and social services could not have been developed to save this important service.

Christine Dowell,

Ex-chairman of the York District Hospital Playroom Committee,

Ullswater,

Woodthorpe,

York.

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