Sir, This is a copy of the letter that I have sent to Angela Burns, Simon Hart, the Pembs. Health Authority and to my local county councillor. I am just hoping that the publicity will help highlight some important issues. Dear Sir/Madam, When I was first diagnosed with inoperable ovarian cancer just over three years ago, I was absolutely terrified having rarely been to the doctor or been a hospital patient before. I need not have worried for from that time forward, I have been in the extraordinarily capable hands of Dr. Anne Barnes and Dr. Moe. Dr. Anne Barnes was actually paramount in 'saving my life' when at the beginning of my illness, I had a strangulated hernia very close to my tumour, and it was her intervention that persuaded the surgeon to operate on the hernia - and here I am today! I have had every confidence in Dr. Barnes and also Dr. Moe who has always had a sensible plan of action to slow up my cancer and who deals with me his patient, in a very kindly and sympathetic manner. He must have been upset when his clinic visits to Withybush hospital were cut back which of course had a knock-on effect on his waiting lists. In the last week or so, I have been very upset and distressed to learn that firstly Dr. Moe is leaving - with no awareness to me of who will replace him - although I have been given a future two month appointment - and also where it might be! During a recent five-day stay in Ward 10, I also found out that Dr. Barnes is retiring - dismay! I personally wish her a well-earned restful retirement, but all in all, my confidence in the Pembrokeshire cancer support has dropped to rock bottom. I have felt for some time that there have been some 'stealth' changes afoot in Ward 10. I actually penned a letter to the Western Telegraph with my concerns sometime ago. I am there regularly as a patient and really feel that medical patients should not be treated in a palliative care unit. If you were a medical patient, how would you like to wake up in a cancer ward? Recently, whilst in the ward having a procedure, a medical patient next to me got upset at what was happening to me - that shouldn't be the case - it is as far as I am aware, a nominated cancer ward. I always thought that cancer care was a health authority priority, but now I have serious doubts and fears for its future - and indeed my future! I would like to think that I am speaking for many others who are in a similar situation to me and I am also supporting Mr. Lyn Neville, Pembroke Dock Cancer Centre manager, who is also fighting our corner so to speak. Please could you give some assurances that alternative plans are in place to maintain the present status quo. Dr. Anne Barnes is to me irreplaceable and will be a very hard act to follow. Ward 10 and the day unit are so well run, happy and caring and stamped completely with her personality. Who can follow that! I look forward to your reply which I hope can allay my deep fears.

Name and address supplied.