IT was with shock and distress that I read the letter by Trudy Capper (June 21), for I had not been aware of the closure of the all-women ward at Hinchingbrooke Hospital. I was treated for breast cancer in Rowan Ward in 2002 and I am sure that it was the

IT was with shock and distress that I read the letter by Trudy Capper (June 21), for I had not been aware of the closure of the all-women ward at Hinchingbrooke Hospital.

I was treated for breast cancer in Rowan Ward in 2002 and I am sure that it was the dedicated care of the wonderful Mr Benson and his team, and the caring staff and serene atmosphere of Rowan Ward, that enabled me to recover so quickly.

Having a mastectomy is traumatic, both physically and mentally, and it is essential to retain one's dignity, which would be very hard to do in a mixed ward. Women feel vulnerable at such times, and deserve to be treated and surrounded by women who can understand their situation.

It is scandalous that this wonderful ward should be closed and it shouldn't be allowed to happen.

MARGARET FAULKNER, Godmanchester