MADAM,

I would like to make everyone aware of the developing situation regarding local social care in our community.

Following diagnosis with aggressive prostate cancer, I have been a cancer patient for twelve years. In recent weeks my health has deteriorated resulting in a stay at Monnow Vale Integrated Health and Social Care Facility. I cannot emphasise enough the professional support from the clinical health team during my stay. It was during this time and the assessment for care after my stay you find out the true extent of no after care from social services.

Initially, help was available when I would be released from hospital but when my house location became clear, help was withdrawn because we live in a rural location and no service provider was available. It has always been my belief that local authorities provide and support individuals during their time of need; by paying council tax we ensure service is available, however this is not the case. Duty of care is now a third party and they decide whether you are in a service agreement with that company, and rural areas appear not to be. Considering Monmouthshire must be classed as rural who is responsible for such agreements?

Only this week we see the turmoil in the political world regarding the future and who will pay for care and how this is going to be delivered to all who need it. We still have a human rights law and I as any other person surly must be treated equally.

Reg Williams

(Llanishen)