I AM alarmed that 11 matrons are to be axed at Burnley and Blackburn hospitals.

Modern matrons were introduced to drive up standards in hospital wards.

The key tasks are to ensure quality care, increase hygiene standards, ensure good quality food, make sure elderly are treated with respect, improve the wards for patients, liaise with patients and relatives and help prevent hospital acquired infections.

These nurses are people with a huge wealth of experience within the NHS. Many of them have 30 years and more nursing experience.

To rid these nurses of their role can only lead to standards in our hospitals falling.

We must not let this happen.

These are our hospitals and we are entitled to the very best of care and anything less is unacceptable.

I intend to campaign against this extremely short sighted decision.

It's time we stood up to the people who for the last year or so have run roughshod over the people of East Lancs.

Anyone wishing to become involved in this campaign please ring me on 01282 661277.

COUNCILLOR DOROTHY LORD, Colne.