ONE of the many interesting and valid points made at the recent AGM of our Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust, was the need for more people of all ages, especially those aged 70 and over, to join our existing RCHT membership and our hospital board might bear in mind the fact that many older people who don't drive rely on public transport, which means that we depend on bus services to convey us to and from evening meetings, which may not finish until late.
This was the reason why I left the AGM early, as I was reluctant to linger too late at the bus stop in the dark shadows on the main road, which is not at all pleasant, especially as the bus services in that area are infrequent at night.
Therefore, I respectfully suggest that if those at the helm of our Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust are serious about attracting older people into membership, they apply their minds to encouraging adequate public transport during evenings, so that members who for various reasons do not drive can nevertheless attend meetings and other events held there at nights, or arrange for such meetings to take place earlier.
I appreciate that it's not easy to please everyone, but the lower percentage of elderly RCHT members compared with that of other age groups, to which a board member very rightly referred, needs to be addressed as it's is vital for our RCHT, where the presence and views of senior citizens of venerable age at meetings would enhance our NHS, as well as our Royal Cornwall Hospital.
Luckily, I don't have to solve the problem, which I feel confident is not insurmountable, bearing in mind the high levels of commitment and competence, which those board members who occupy their positions display with distinction.
I am very grateful to the board member who made it clear at our Hospital's AGM that additional Trust members representing all age groups would be welcome, now and in the future, so I do hope that all those who have an interest in our NHS and our Royal Cornwall Hospital will consider joining its membership.
Our NHS needs all the support which we can give. We all need it at some time during our lives and it needs us just as much.
Lomond Handley,
Carnon Crescent,
Truro
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