Sir — We consider that your page 3 story Changes to care for local elderly (September 19) misrepresents Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust's (PCT) position with regard to community hospitals.

Oxfordshire PCT has consistently recognised the fantastic contribution our community hospitals (and the staff working in them) make to delivering good local services in our market towns. In support of that, we have invested £1.2m to build up staffing across all hospitals and £1.3m in improving existing buildings last year, with a further £2m in 2008/09. Over the last two years we have worked diligently with local people in Bicester, Chipping Norton and Henley to put forward proposals which will improve and sustain current services for the long term.

The PCT is currently at an informal stage of consultation with regards to the provision of specialist care of older people (gerontology care) in our community hospitals. This is a new and additional service which compliments current service provision. We are working with the Oxfordshire joint health overview and scrutiny committee (HOSC), doctors (GPs) and consultants in developing this proposal.

Most patients in community hospitals do not need the care of a specialist consultant (gerontologist) and it is proposed that the direct care of patients requiring specialist care and treatment will be focused on two centres, at Abingdon and Witney Community Hospitals. The availability of specialist care for older people will continue as it is at all community hospitals through advice, support and referral for patients who are under the care of their own GP or contracted GPs.

Andrea Young , Chief executive, Oxfordshire PCT